<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-should-stop-unreasonable-suppression-of-huawei-china-193706">US should stop unreasonable suppression of Huawei: China</a>

China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against Chinese telecom giant Huawei in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-dispute-centre-moves-to-supreme-court-seeks-excess-land-be-returned-to-ramjanambhoomi-nyas-193587">Ayodhya dispute: Centre moves Supreme Court, seeks permission to return acquired land to Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas</a>

The central government has submitted an interim application to the Supreme Court asking for permission to restore 67.39 acres of the land acquired around the disputed Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site to its rightful owners.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-supreme-court-rejects-petition-against-asia-bibis-acquittal-193662">Pakistan Supreme Court rejects petition against Asia Bibi's acquittal</a>

Pakistan's Supreme Court rejected a review petition challenging the acquittal of Asia Bibi in the blasphemy case.

"Based on merit, this review petition is dismissed," Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said while presiding over the three-judge panel.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sanctions-against-venezuela-illegal-violates-all-possible-international-norms-russia-193682">Sanctions against Venezuela illegal, violates all possible international norms: Russia</a>

A day after the Trump administration announced sanctions against Venezuela's state-owned oil firm PDVSA, Kremlin said the sanctions were "illegal".

"The legitimate authorities of Venezuela have already labelled these sanctions illegal. We can wholly support this point of view," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/if-us-responds-to-denuclearisation-with-trustworthy-measures-relations-will-develop-fast-north-korea-193678">If US responds to denuclearisation with trustworthy measures, relations will develop fast: North Korea</a>

North Korea said on Tuesday that relations with the United States will develop "wonderfully at a fast pace" if Washington responds to its efforts on denuclearisation with trustworthy measures and practical actions.

US should stop unreasonable suppression of Huawei: China China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against Chinese telecom giant Huawei in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers.

US should stop unreasonable suppression of Huawei: China China on Tuesday accused the United States of "political motivations" behind sweeping charges against Chinese telecom giant Huawei in a case that has ratcheted up tensions between the two superpowers. Ayodhya dispute: Centre moves Supreme Court, seeks permission to return acquired land to Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas The central government has submitted an interim application to the Supreme Court asking for permission to restore 67.39 acres of the land acquired around the disputed Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi site to its rightful owners. Pakistan Supreme Court rejects petition against Asia Bibi's acquittal Pakistan's Supreme Court rejected a review petition challenging the acquittal of Asia Bibi in the blasphemy case. "Based on merit, this review petition is dismissed," Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said while presiding over the three-judge panel. Sanctions against Venezuela illegal, violates all possible international norms: Russia A day after the Trump administration announced sanctions against Venezuela's state-owned oil firm PDVSA, Kremlin said the sanctions were "illegal". "The legitimate authorities of Venezuela have already labelled these sanctions illegal. We can wholly support this point of view," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. If US responds to denuclearisation with trustworthy measures, relations will develop fast: North Korea North Korea said on Tuesday that relations with the United States will develop "wonderfully at a fast pace" if Washington responds to its efforts on denuclearisation with trustworthy measures and practical actions.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sanctions-peace-deal-on-cards-for-new-us-north-korea-summit-193058">North Korea said on Tuesday</a> that relations with the United States will develop "wonderfully at a fast pace" if Washington responds to its efforts on denuclearisation with trustworthy measures and practical actions.

North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Han Tae Song, also told the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament that Pyongyang would continue working to establish a "permanent and durable peace mechanism on the Korean peninsula".

The summit last June between North Korean leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-expresses-great-satisfaction-over-trump-letter-state-media-192335">Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump</a> had brought about a dramatic turn in relations that had been "the most hostile on earth" and contributed to ensuring peace and security on the divided peninsula, Han said.

He referred to the two leaders' joint statement issued after their meeting in Singapore and Kim's New Year's Address, adding:

"Accordingly we declared that we would neither make and test nuclear weapons any longer nor use and proliferate them and we have taken various practical measures.

"If the US responds to our efforts with trustworthy measures and corresponding practical actions, bilateral relations will develop wonderfully at a fast pace through the process of taking more definite and epoch-making steps," he said.

Han told Reuters that he had no information on a possible upcoming second summit between Kim and Trump.

South Korea's foreign minister told Reuters at Davos last week that North Korea must make concrete pledges toward curbing its nuclear weapons programme, such as dismantling its main nuclear complex and allowing international inspections to confirm the process, when leader Kim meets Trump as soon as next month.

North Korea said on Tuesday that relations with the United States will develop "wonderfully at a fast pace" if Washington responds to its efforts on denuclearisation with trustworthy measures and practical actions.

North Korea said on Tuesday that relations with the United States will develop "wonderfully at a fast pace" if Washington responds to its efforts on denuclearisation with trustworthy measures and practical actions. North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Han Tae Song, also told the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament that Pyongyang would continue working to establish a "permanent and durable peace mechanism on the Korean peninsula". The summit last June between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump had brought about a dramatic turn in relations that had been "the most hostile on earth" and contributed to ensuring peace and security on the divided peninsula, Han said. He referred to the two leaders' joint statement issued after their meeting in Singapore and Kim's New Year's Address, adding: "Accordingly we declared that we would neither make and test nuclear weapons any longer nor use and proliferate them and we have taken various practical measures. "If the US responds to our efforts with trustworthy measures and corresponding practical actions, bilateral relations will develop wonderfully at a fast pace through the process of taking more definite and epoch-making steps," he said. Han told Reuters that he had no information on a possible upcoming second summit between Kim and Trump. South Korea's foreign minister told Reuters at Davos last week that North Korea must make concrete pledges toward curbing its nuclear weapons programme, such as dismantling its main nuclear complex and allowing international inspections to confirm the process, when leader Kim meets Trump as soon as next month.

If US responds to denuclearisation with trustworthy measures, relations will develop fast: North Korea

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-regional-powers-recognise-maduro-opponent-as-venezuela-leader-192345">US, regional powers say they recognise Maduro's opponent as leader of Venezuela</a>

The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/house-speaker-pelosi-says-trump-cannot-give-state-of-union-speech-until-he-ends-govt-shutdown-192338">Trump forced to 'cancel' State of Union speech</a>

US President Donald Trump intensified his war of words with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Wednesday after she effectively blocked him from delivering his annual address in Congress during the government shutdown, now in its 33rd day.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/piyush-goyal-may-present-budget-as-he-gets-additional-charge-of-finance-ministry-192343">Piyush Goyal likely to present Interim Budget after he gets additional charge of Finance Ministry</a>

Piyush Goyal is likely to present the interim Budget on February 1 as he was Wednesday given the additional charge of finance ministry as Arun Jaitley is in the US for medical treatment, sources said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-expresses-great-satisfaction-over-trump-letter-state-media-192335">North Korea's Kim says he 'believes in' Trump ahead of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-expresses-great-satisfaction-over-trump-letter-state-media-192335">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-expresses-great-satisfaction-over-trump-letter-state-media-192335"> summit: State media</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke highly of US President Donald Trump, state media said on Thursday, and expressed satisfaction over the results of talks between officials from both countries about a second summit between Kim and Trump.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lacks-authority-to-snap-ties-expel-diplomats-us-192341">Maduro gives American diplomats 72 hours to leave, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lacks-authority-to-snap-ties-expel-diplomats-us-192341">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-lacks-authority-to-snap-ties-expel-diplomats-us-192341"> says he doesn't have the authority</a>

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has no authority to sever relations with the United States, the State Department said Wednesday, hitting back after the leftist leader gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

US, regional powers say they recognise Maduro's opponent as leader of Venezuela The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated.

US, regional powers say they recognise Maduro's opponent as leader of Venezuela The United States and major South American nations recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim leader Wednesday while the EU called for free elections to restore democracy, leaving President Nicolas Maduro increasingly isolated. Trump forced to 'cancel' State of Union speech US President Donald Trump intensified his war of words with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Wednesday after she effectively blocked him from delivering his annual address in Congress during the government shutdown, now in its 33rd day. Piyush Goyal likely to present Interim Budget after he gets additional charge of Finance Ministry Piyush Goyal is likely to present the interim Budget on February 1 as he was Wednesday given the additional charge of finance ministry as Arun Jaitley is in the US for medical treatment, sources said. North Korea's Kim says he 'believes in' Trump ahead of second summit: State media North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke highly of US President Donald Trump, state media said on Thursday, and expressed satisfaction over the results of talks between officials from both countries about a second summit between Kim and Trump. Maduro gives American diplomats 72 hours to leave, US says he doesn't have the authority Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro has no authority to sever relations with the United States, the State Department said Wednesday, hitting back after the leftist leader gave American diplomats 72 hours to leave the country.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke highly of US President Donald Trump, state media said on Thursday, and expressed satisfaction over the results of talks between officials from both countries about a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-trump-second-summit-imminent-south-korea-president-moon-189300">second summit</a> between Kim and Trump.

Kim said he would trust Trump's approach, the North's official KCNA news agency said, weeks after Kim warned North Korea could seek a "new path" if US sanctions and pressure continued. That suggested Kim was focused on the next meeting with Trump to produce results.

"Kim Jong Un said that we will believe in President Trump's positive way of thinking, wait with patience and in good faith and, together with the US, advance step by step toward the goal to be reached by the two countries," KCNA said.

It said Kim expressed "large satisfaction" at receiving a "great" letter from Trump and a briefing about the results of the negotiations from the North Korean delegation that visited Washington last week but did not elaborate.

Kim ordered working-level preparations for the second North Korea-US summit to be done well, KCNA said. The White House said last week a second Trump-Kim summit would be held in late February but did not say where.

That follows their landmark first summit in Singapore last June, which produced a promise to work towards the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Progress since then has been patchy.

Kim has indicated to South Korean President Moon Jae-in he would undertake a "groundbreaking" denuclearisation measure, South Korean newspaper DongA Ilbo reported on Thursday.

The newspaper, citing an unidentified source with direct knowledge of the US-North Korea situation, said the same had been made clear to Trump during senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol's Washington visit last week.

North Korea has hinted, for example, at the possibility of agreeing to the US demand for verification of denuclearisation efforts before it discards its Yongbyon nuclear facilities.

In turn, the United States has mentioned potential measures such as easing limits on oil imports, a conditional restart of the Kaesong industrial zone in North Korea, and opening a liaison office in Pyongyang, DongA reported.

'NO RUSH'

DongA also said that, according to several South Korean government sources, talks between officials from North Korea, the United States and South Korea near Stockholm this week appeared to have been constructive in setting some of the agenda for the second Trump-Kim summit.

The US State Department did not respond to a request for comment on the DongA report.

The White House said after Trump met Kim Yong Chol, the North's chief nuclear negotiator, last week that economic sanctions against Pyongyang would be maintained despite agreeing to the second summit.

Trump has said there is "no rush" and "no time limit" on denuclearisation negotiations, but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has given varying statements about the degree of Washington's patience.

Pompeo said after the Singapore summit the United States hoped to achieve "major disarmament" by North Korea by the end of Trump's current term in office in January 2021. He has subsequently said he would not put a timeline on talks.

He told Fox News in an interview broadcast on Wednesday there had been progress in stopping North Korea's nuclear and missile-testing programmes.

"Chairman Kim continues to assure the President of the United States he is intent on denuclearisation and I hope that at the end of February, when the two leaders get together, we can make a substantial step along the way," Pompeo said.

He said on Tuesday he saw an important role for the private sector in helping to develop North Korea if progress was made.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke highly of US President Donald Trump, state media said on Thursday, and expressed satisfaction over the results of talks between officials from both countries about a second summit between Kim and Trump.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke highly of US President Donald Trump, state media said on Thursday, and expressed satisfaction over the results of talks between officials from both countries about a second summit between Kim and Trump. Kim said he would trust Trump's approach, the North's official KCNA news agency said, weeks after Kim warned North Korea could seek a "new path" if US sanctions and pressure continued. That suggested Kim was focused on the next meeting with Trump to produce results. "Kim Jong Un said that we will believe in President Trump's positive way of thinking, wait with patience and in good faith and, together with the US, advance step by step toward the goal to be reached by the two countries," KCNA said. It said Kim expressed "large satisfaction" at receiving a "great" letter from Trump and a briefing about the results of the negotiations from the North Korean delegation that visited Washington last week but did not elaborate. Kim ordered working-level preparations for the second North Korea-US summit to be done well, KCNA said. The White House said last week a second Trump-Kim summit would be held in late February but did not say where. That follows their landmark first summit in Singapore last June, which produced a promise to work towards the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Progress since then has been patchy. Kim has indicated to South Korean President Moon Jae-in he would undertake a "groundbreaking" denuclearisation measure, South Korean newspaper DongA Ilbo reported on Thursday. The newspaper, citing an unidentified source with direct knowledge of the US-North Korea situation, said the same had been made clear to Trump during senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol's Washington visit last week. North Korea has hinted, for example, at the possibility of agreeing to the US demand for verification of denuclearisation efforts before it discards its Yongbyon nuclear facilities. In turn, the United States has mentioned potential measures such as easing limits on oil imports, a conditional restart of the Kaesong industrial zone in North Korea, and opening a liaison office in Pyongyang, DongA reported. 'NO RUSH' DongA also said that, according to several South Korean government sources, talks between officials from North Korea, the United States and South Korea near Stockholm this week appeared to have been constructive in setting some of the agenda for the second Trump-Kim summit. The US State Department did not respond to a request for comment on the DongA report. The White House said after Trump met Kim Yong Chol, the North's chief nuclear negotiator, last week that economic sanctions against Pyongyang would be maintained despite agreeing to the second summit. Trump has said there is "no rush" and "no time limit" on denuclearisation negotiations, but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has given varying statements about the degree of Washington's patience. Pompeo said after the Singapore summit the United States hoped to achieve "major disarmament" by North Korea by the end of Trump's current term in office in January 2021. He has subsequently said he would not put a timeline on talks. He told Fox News in an interview broadcast on Wednesday there had been progress in stopping North Korea's nuclear and missile-testing programmes. "Chairman Kim continues to assure the President of the United States he is intent on denuclearisation and I hope that at the end of February, when the two leaders get together, we can make a substantial step along the way," Pompeo said. He said on Tuesday he saw an important role for the private sector in helping to develop North Korea if progress was made.

North Korea's Kim says he 'believes in' Trump ahead of second summit: State media

One of 20 undeclared ballistic missile operating bases in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-asks-north-korea-to-stop-missile-tests-tells-us-and-south-to-seek-talks-13161?amp">North Korea</a> serves as a missile headquarters, according to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) published on Monday.

"The Sino-ri missile operating base and the Nodong missiles deployed at this location fit into North Korea's presumed nuclear military strategy by providing an operational-level nuclear or conventional first strike capability," the report said.

The discovery of an undeclared missile headquarters comes three days after US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he "looks forward" to another summit to discuss denuclearization with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in late February.

CSIS, which last reported on the 20 undeclared bases in November, said the Sino-ri base has never been declared by North Korea and as a result "does not appear to be the subject of denuclearization negotiations."

The report noted that missile operating bases would presumably be subject to declaration, verification, and dismantlement in any denuclearization deal.

"The North Koreans are not going to negotiate over things they don't disclose," said Victor Cha, one of the authors of the report. "It looks like they're playing a game. They're still going to have all this operational capability," even if they destroy their disclosed nuclear facilities.

Located 132 miles (212 kilometers) north of the demilitarized zone, the Sino-ri complex is a seven-square-mile (18-square-km) base that plays a key role in developing ballistic missiles capable of reaching South Korea, Japan, and even the US territory of Guam in the Western Pacific, the report said.

It houses a regiment-sized unit equipped with Nodong-1 medium-range ballistic missiles, the report added.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Satellite images of the base from December 27, 2018 show an entrance to an underground bunker, reinforced shelters and a headquarters, the report said.

One of 20 undeclared ballistic missile operating bases in North Korea serves as a missile headquarters, according to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) published on Monday.

One of 20 undeclared ballistic missile operating bases in North Korea serves as a missile headquarters, according to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) published on Monday. "The Sino-ri missile operating base and the Nodong missiles deployed at this location fit into North Korea's presumed nuclear military strategy by providing an operational-level nuclear or conventional first strike capability," the report said. The discovery of an undeclared missile headquarters comes three days after US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he "looks forward" to another summit to discuss denuclearization with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in late February. CSIS, which last reported on the 20 undeclared bases in November, said the Sino-ri base has never been declared by North Korea and as a result "does not appear to be the subject of denuclearization negotiations." The report noted that missile operating bases would presumably be subject to declaration, verification, and dismantlement in any denuclearization deal. "The North Koreans are not going to negotiate over things they don't disclose," said Victor Cha, one of the authors of the report. "It looks like they're playing a game. They're still going to have all this operational capability," even if they destroy their disclosed nuclear facilities. Located 132 miles (212 kilometers) north of the demilitarized zone, the Sino-ri complex is a seven-square-mile (18-square-km) base that plays a key role in developing ballistic missiles capable of reaching South Korea, Japan, and even the US territory of Guam in the Western Pacific, the report said. It houses a regiment-sized unit equipped with Nodong-1 medium-range ballistic missiles, the report added. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Satellite images of the base from December 27, 2018 show an entrance to an underground bunker, reinforced shelters and a headquarters, the report said.

Report reveals undeclared North Korean missile base headquarters

A top North Korean general opened talks with the US leadership Friday on a rare visit to Washington, in a sign of progress towards arranging a new summit with President Donald Trump aimed at denuclearization and easing decades of hostility.

Kim Yong Chol, a right-hand man to leader Kim Jong Un, stood formally next to a smiling Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the US representative on North Korea policy, Stephen Biegun, before a meeting inside a popular hotel in the US capital.

The trio posed briefly for pictures near a shelf holding a framed photograph of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr, little more than a year after Trump was threatening to wipe the totalitarian state off the map.

After tensions eased, the two leaders held their landmark first meeting in Singapore in June, where Kim Jong Un and Trump signed a vaguely worded document with Kim pledging to work towards the "denuclearization of the Korean peninsula". But progress has since stalled as Pyongyang and Washington -- which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea -- disagree over what that means.

Kim Yong Chol is the first North Korean dignitary in nearly two decades known to have spent the night in the US capital. The State Department did not announce the meeting until shortly beforehand, cautious after the general abruptly cancelled his last trip to the United States planned in early November.

Presuming the talks go smoothly, Kim will then head to the White House to meet Trump, a US source said on condition of anonymity.

Trump has repeatedly voiced eagerness to see Kim Jong Un again -- even opining that the two are "in love" after their Singapore summit, the first meeting ever between sitting leaders from the two countries that never formally ended the 1950-53 Korean War.

Tensions began to abate a year ago with the encouragement of South Korea's dovish president, Moon Jae-in. Trump has repeatedly hailed his own diplomacy as a triumph, recently saying there would have been "a nice big fat war in Asia" if it were not for him.

- Vietnam ready to host - 
Trump has said to expect an announcement soon about the second summit.&nbsp;

In Vietnam, a government source told AFP that "logistical preparations" were underway to host the summit, most likely in the capital Hanoi or coastal city of Danang, but that no decision had been made.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that Vietnam was ready to welcome the two leaders, noting that Hanoi has a growing relationship with the United States despite war memories.

"We don't know the final decision. However, if it happens here we will do our best to facilitate the meeting," he said in an interview with Bloomberg TV.

For Trump, the made-for-television summitry with the young and elusive North Korean leader also offers a welcome respite from a steady barrage of negative headlines at home.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller is probing whether Trump's presidential campaign colluded with Russia, and his insistence that Congress fund a wall on the Mexican border has shuttered the US government for nearly a month.

For Kim, the stakes are more existential as he seeks guarantees of the survival of his regime.

Kim, backed by ally China as well as South Korea, is also hoping for an easing of international sanctions, but the United States insists on maintaining maximum pressure until Pyongyang moves forward on giving up its nuclear weapons.

Leader-driven dipolomacy

Although in Singapore Kim promised his "unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," the United States expects North Korea to give up nuclear weapons assembled over decades of work while Pyongyang more broadly seeks an end to what it sees as US threats.

"I think there is somewhat of a general consensus of what denuclearization means. I think there is obviously still disagreement on how to get there -- whether denuclearization is the end of the process or the process itself," said Jenny Town, managing editor of the 38 North web journal on North Korea policy at the Stimson Center.

She noted that Americans have traditionally preferred to hash out the details of agreements before big summits, while the type of leader-driven diplomacy favored by Trump is more common in Asia.

"People have been very sceptical of this top-down approach, but we won't know unless we try it," Town said.

A top North Korean general opened talks with the US leadership Friday on a rare visit to Washington, in a sign of progress towards arranging a new summit with President Donald Trump aimed at denuclearization and easing decades of hostility.

A top North Korean general opened talks with the US leadership Friday on a rare visit to Washington, in a sign of progress towards arranging a new summit with President Donald Trump aimed at denuclearization and easing decades of hostility. Kim Yong Chol, a right-hand man to leader Kim Jong Un, stood formally next to a smiling Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the US representative on North Korea policy, Stephen Biegun, before a meeting inside a popular hotel in the US capital. The trio posed briefly for pictures near a shelf holding a framed photograph of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr, little more than a year after Trump was threatening to wipe the totalitarian state off the map. After tensions eased, the two leaders held their landmark first meeting in Singapore in June, where Kim Jong Un and Trump signed a vaguely worded document with Kim pledging to work towards the "denuclearization of the Korean peninsula". But progress has since stalled as Pyongyang and Washington -- which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea -- disagree over what that means. Kim Yong Chol is the first North Korean dignitary in nearly two decades known to have spent the night in the US capital. The State Department did not announce the meeting until shortly beforehand, cautious after the general abruptly cancelled his last trip to the United States planned in early November. Presuming the talks go smoothly, Kim will then head to the White House to meet Trump, a US source said on condition of anonymity. Trump has repeatedly voiced eagerness to see Kim Jong Un again -- even opining that the two are "in love" after their Singapore summit, the first meeting ever between sitting leaders from the two countries that never formally ended the 1950-53 Korean War. Tensions began to abate a year ago with the encouragement of South Korea's dovish president, Moon Jae-in. Trump has repeatedly hailed his own diplomacy as a triumph, recently saying there would have been "a nice big fat war in Asia" if it were not for him. - Vietnam ready to host - Trump has said to expect an announcement soon about the second summit. In Vietnam, a government source told AFP that "logistical preparations" were underway to host the summit, most likely in the capital Hanoi or coastal city of Danang, but that no decision had been made. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that Vietnam was ready to welcome the two leaders, noting that Hanoi has a growing relationship with the United States despite war memories. "We don't know the final decision. However, if it happens here we will do our best to facilitate the meeting," he said in an interview with Bloomberg TV. For Trump, the made-for-television summitry with the young and elusive North Korean leader also offers a welcome respite from a steady barrage of negative headlines at home. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is probing whether Trump's presidential campaign colluded with Russia, and his insistence that Congress fund a wall on the Mexican border has shuttered the US government for nearly a month. For Kim, the stakes are more existential as he seeks guarantees of the survival of his regime. Kim, backed by ally China as well as South Korea, is also hoping for an easing of international sanctions, but the United States insists on maintaining maximum pressure until Pyongyang moves forward on giving up its nuclear weapons. Leader-driven dipolomacy Although in Singapore Kim promised his "unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," the United States expects North Korea to give up nuclear weapons assembled over decades of work while Pyongyang more broadly seeks an end to what it sees as US threats. "I think there is somewhat of a general consensus of what denuclearization means. I think there is obviously still disagreement on how to get there -- whether denuclearization is the end of the process or the process itself," said Jenny Town, managing editor of the 38 North web journal on North Korea policy at the Stimson Center. She noted that Americans have traditionally preferred to hash out the details of agreements before big summits, while the type of leader-driven diplomacy favored by Trump is more common in Asia. "People have been very sceptical of this top-down approach, but we won't know unless we try it," Town said.

Top North Korean holds rare Washington talks to prepare Trump-Kim summit

A North Korean envoy arrived in Washington on Thursday for expected talks with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a possible encounter with President Donald Trump aimed at laying the groundwork for a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/us-and-north-korea-negotiating-location-for-second-summit-donald-trump-188710">second US-North Korea summit</a>.

The envoy arrived on the same day <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-revamped-missile-defence-strategy-trump-deems-north-korea-an-extraordinary-threat-191082">Trump unveiled a revamped US missile defence strategy </a>that singled out North Korea as an ongoing and "extraordinary threat," seven months after he declared after his first summit with leader Kim Jong Un that the North Korean threat had been eliminated.

Kim Yong Chol, Pyongyang's lead negotiator in denuclearisation talks with the United States, was due to meet Pompeo and could also go to the White House on Friday, a person familiar with the plan said, a sign of potential movement in a diplomatic effort that has appeared stalled for months.

The North Korean visit could yield an announcement of plans for another summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

There has been no indication, however, of any narrowing of differences over US demands that North Korea abandon a nuclear weapons programme that threatens the United States or Pyongyang`s demand for a lifting of punishing sanctions.

Kim Yong Chol, a hardline former spy chief, arrived in Washington on a commercial flight from Beijing, South Korea`s Yonhap news agency reported.

Pompeo had planned to meet his North Korean counterpart to discuss a second summit last November, but the meeting was postponed at the last moment.

Diplomatic contact was resumed after Kim Jong Un delivered a New Year speech in which he said he was willing to meet Trump "at any time," South Korea`s ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-je, told reporters last week.

Kim Yong Chol was last in Washington in June, when he delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump that opened the way for the June 12 summit in Singapore.&nbsp;

That meeting yielded a pledge from the latter to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and Trump declared the next day that there was "no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea."&nbsp;

There has been little obvious progress since, however, which was underlined by the Missile Defense Review unveiled on Thursday.

Introducing the report, acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan noted that North Korean missiles remained a "significant concern." Trump himself only mentioned North Korea in passing at the same event, saying negotiations he had conducted should have been done years ago.

"Concrete steps"

US Vice President Mike Pence acknowledged on Wednesday that efforts to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenal had not made headway.

"While the president is promising dialogue with Chairman Kim, we still await concrete steps by North Korea to dismantle the nuclear weapons that threaten our people and our allies in the region," Pence said in an address to US ambassadors and other senior American diplomats at the State Department.

Trump said on January 2 that he had received a "great" letter from Kim Jong Un and would probably meet him again in the not-too-distant future, but there was no rush.

Pyongyang had stopped missile and bomb testing and if it had not been for his administration "you`d be having a nice big fat war in Asia," he said.

CNN quoted a source familiar with the US-North Korea talks as saying that Kim Yong Chol would be carrying a new letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump.

Kim Yong Chol will be the first top North Korean official to stay overnight in Washington since the late Vice Marshal Jo Myong Rok did so ahead of talks with then-President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in 2000.

Communist-ruled Vietnam, which has good relations with both the United States and North Korea, has been widely touted as the most likely venue for a second meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un.&nbsp;

The Washington Post quoted people familiar with recent diplomatic activity as saying that if announced soon, the summit would probably take place in March or April, with the coastal city of Danang the most likely venue.

A North Korean envoy arrived in Washington on Thursday for expected talks with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a possible encounter with President Donald Trump aimed at laying the groundwork for a second US-North Korea summit.

A North Korean envoy arrived in Washington on Thursday for expected talks with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a possible encounter with President Donald Trump aimed at laying the groundwork for a second US-North Korea summit. The envoy arrived on the same day Trump unveiled a revamped US missile defence strategy that singled out North Korea as an ongoing and "extraordinary threat," seven months after he declared after his first summit with leader Kim Jong Un that the North Korean threat had been eliminated. Kim Yong Chol, Pyongyang's lead negotiator in denuclearisation talks with the United States, was due to meet Pompeo and could also go to the White House on Friday, a person familiar with the plan said, a sign of potential movement in a diplomatic effort that has appeared stalled for months. The North Korean visit could yield an announcement of plans for another summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. There has been no indication, however, of any narrowing of differences over US demands that North Korea abandon a nuclear weapons programme that threatens the United States or Pyongyang`s demand for a lifting of punishing sanctions. Kim Yong Chol, a hardline former spy chief, arrived in Washington on a commercial flight from Beijing, South Korea`s Yonhap news agency reported. Pompeo had planned to meet his North Korean counterpart to discuss a second summit last November, but the meeting was postponed at the last moment. Diplomatic contact was resumed after Kim Jong Un delivered a New Year speech in which he said he was willing to meet Trump "at any time," South Korea`s ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-je, told reporters last week. Kim Yong Chol was last in Washington in June, when he delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump that opened the way for the June 12 summit in Singapore. That meeting yielded a pledge from the latter to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and Trump declared the next day that there was "no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea." There has been little obvious progress since, however, which was underlined by the Missile Defense Review unveiled on Thursday. Introducing the report, acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan noted that North Korean missiles remained a "significant concern." Trump himself only mentioned North Korea in passing at the same event, saying negotiations he had conducted should have been done years ago. "Concrete steps" US Vice President Mike Pence acknowledged on Wednesday that efforts to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenal had not made headway. "While the president is promising dialogue with Chairman Kim, we still await concrete steps by North Korea to dismantle the nuclear weapons that threaten our people and our allies in the region," Pence said in an address to US ambassadors and other senior American diplomats at the State Department. Trump said on January 2 that he had received a "great" letter from Kim Jong Un and would probably meet him again in the not-too-distant future, but there was no rush. Pyongyang had stopped missile and bomb testing and if it had not been for his administration "you`d be having a nice big fat war in Asia," he said. CNN quoted a source familiar with the US-North Korea talks as saying that Kim Yong Chol would be carrying a new letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump. Kim Yong Chol will be the first top North Korean official to stay overnight in Washington since the late Vice Marshal Jo Myong Rok did so ahead of talks with then-President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in 2000. Communist-ruled Vietnam, which has good relations with both the United States and North Korea, has been widely touted as the most likely venue for a second meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un. The Washington Post quoted people familiar with recent diplomatic activity as saying that if announced soon, the summit would probably take place in March or April, with the coastal city of Danang the most likely venue.

North Korea envoy in US for talks with Pompeo, possibly Trump

North Korea's top envoy involved in talks with the United States arrived in Beijing on Thursday and is thought to be en route to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/a-winter-storm-hit-washington-190140&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwitoKz9kPTfAhXadCsKHeAcCXAQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1xJ3KpvFDSi7EW4rBYnLcm">Washington</a>, South Korean news agency Yonhap said on Thursday.

The US and South Korean media previously quoted unidentified sources as saying US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and North Korean official Kim Yong Chol were expected to meet in the US capital on Friday to discuss a second summit between President Donald Trump and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/us-north-korea-to-hold-talks-this-week-seeking-interim-deal-report-190515&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwip-7LbkPTfAhWHAYgKHdU7ARsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3BxMKHM9HVUdgihgpdPMpy">North Korea</a>n leader Kim Jong Un.

Kim arrived at Beijing airport on Thursday on an Air Koryo flight from Pyongyang and was met by North Korea's ambassador to China, Yonhap said. He is expected to board a flight to Washington in the evening, the news agency said.

Pompeo had planned to meet his North Korean counterpart to discuss a second summit last November, but the meeting was postponed.

Kim Yong Chol was last in Washington in June, when he delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump that opened the way for an unprecedented meeting between the leaders of the two countries in Singapore on June 12.

CNN quoted a source familiar with US-North Korea talks as saying that Kim Yong Chol would be carrying a new letter from Kim Jong-un&nbsp;to Trump in Washington.

Chinese and South Korean envoys on Korean peninsula affairs are meeting in Seoul on Thursday, the South's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-work-together-with-us-on-trade-china-foreign-ministry-188776&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi4rYudkfTfAhULBIgKHewGDTgQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1YMl-zgXv3QtocxeD1p_zH">foreign ministry </a>said. Kong Xuanyou and Lee Do-Hoon are expected to discuss ways to achieve complete denuclearisation and peace on the peninsula, as well as an expected second summit of US and North Korean leaders.

In Singapore last year, Kim Jong Un pledged to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, but there has been little significant progress since.

Contact was resumed after the North Korean leader delivered a New Year speech in which he said he was willing to meet Trump "at any time," South Korea's ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-Je, told reporters last week.

North Korea's top envoy involved in talks with the United States arrived in Beijing on Thursday and is thought to be en route to Washington, South Korean news agency Yonhap said on Thursday.

North Korea's top envoy involved in talks with the United States arrived in Beijing on Thursday and is thought to be en route to Washington, South Korean news agency Yonhap said on Thursday. The US and South Korean media previously quoted unidentified sources as saying US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and North Korean official Kim Yong Chol were expected to meet in the US capital on Friday to discuss a second summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Kim arrived at Beijing airport on Thursday on an Air Koryo flight from Pyongyang and was met by North Korea's ambassador to China, Yonhap said. He is expected to board a flight to Washington in the evening, the news agency said. Pompeo had planned to meet his North Korean counterpart to discuss a second summit last November, but the meeting was postponed. Kim Yong Chol was last in Washington in June, when he delivered a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump that opened the way for an unprecedented meeting between the leaders of the two countries in Singapore on June 12. CNN quoted a source familiar with US-North Korea talks as saying that Kim Yong Chol would be carrying a new letter from Kim Jong-un to Trump in Washington. Chinese and South Korean envoys on Korean peninsula affairs are meeting in Seoul on Thursday, the South's foreign ministry said. Kong Xuanyou and Lee Do-Hoon are expected to discuss ways to achieve complete denuclearisation and peace on the peninsula, as well as an expected second summit of US and North Korean leaders. In Singapore last year, Kim Jong Un pledged to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, but there has been little significant progress since. Contact was resumed after the North Korean leader delivered a New Year speech in which he said he was willing to meet Trump "at any time," South Korea's ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-Je, told reporters last week.

Pompeo's North Korea counterpart arrives in Beijing for talks: Report

A top North Korean diplomat was travelling to Sweden Tuesday, she told reporters, as speculation mounts over the next summit between the isolated state's leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-seeks-to-up-ante-with-xi-summit-analysts-189006&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi-wqWave_fAhUHuY8KHRVKAsUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3QRoSp6uM2wv1niHr2J446">Kim Jong Un</a> and US President Donald Trump.

Choe Son Hui, a North Korean vice-minister of foreign affairs, landed in Beijing on a flight from the North Korean capital Pyongyang.

"I am going to an international conference in Sweden," South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted her as saying on arrival at the airport.

Choe's trip comes as expectations grow for a second meeting between Kim and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-record-long-government-shutdown-could-be-resolved-in-15-minutes-189918&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiMu_WBwO_fAhXYe30KHXYcBmwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw080PzFPcJFkJya-os8jZgU">Trump</a>&nbsp;— despite a lack of progress in denuclearisation negotiations — after the North Korean leader went to Beijing, long Pyongyang's key ally, last week for talks with President Xi Jinping.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Kim's trip was a sign a second US-North Korean summit was "imminent", and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added at the weekend that: "We're working out the details".

Suggestions circulating among Korea-watchers for possible venues include Vietnam and Thailand, among others.

Stockholm has a long history of mediating between Washington and Pyongyang — while the two do not have diplomatic relations, Sweden is the protecting power for US citizens in the Asian country, and Choe has been intimately involved in the US-North Korean relationship.

Before she assumed her current position, she was director general of the foreign ministry's North American department.

She was also among the officials who accompanied Kim to Singapore for his first summit with Trump in June.

The meeting, held in a blaze of publicity, saw the two men sign a vaguely worded document in which Kim pledged to work towards "the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula".

But progress has since stalled with the two sides disagreeing over what that means.

Pyongyang is seeking sanctions relief and rejects demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament, while Washington insists that the punitive measures must stay in place until it gives up its nuclear arsenal.

Citing a diplomatic source, the South's Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported Tuesday that Kim Yong Chol, Pompeo's counterpart in the discussion process, was expected to visit Washington later this week for talks.

There were no reports that he had passed through Beijing.

A top North Korean diplomat was travelling to Sweden Tuesday, she told reporters, as speculation mounts over the next summit between the isolated state's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump.

A top North Korean diplomat was travelling to Sweden Tuesday, she told reporters, as speculation mounts over the next summit between the isolated state's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump. Choe Son Hui, a North Korean vice-minister of foreign affairs, landed in Beijing on a flight from the North Korean capital Pyongyang. "I am going to an international conference in Sweden," South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted her as saying on arrival at the airport. Choe's trip comes as expectations grow for a second meeting between Kim and Trump — despite a lack of progress in denuclearisation negotiations — after the North Korean leader went to Beijing, long Pyongyang's key ally, last week for talks with President Xi Jinping. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Kim's trip was a sign a second US-North Korean summit was "imminent", and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo added at the weekend that: "We're working out the details". Suggestions circulating among Korea-watchers for possible venues include Vietnam and Thailand, among others. Stockholm has a long history of mediating between Washington and Pyongyang — while the two do not have diplomatic relations, Sweden is the protecting power for US citizens in the Asian country, and Choe has been intimately involved in the US-North Korean relationship. Before she assumed her current position, she was director general of the foreign ministry's North American department. She was also among the officials who accompanied Kim to Singapore for his first summit with Trump in June. The meeting, held in a blaze of publicity, saw the two men sign a vaguely worded document in which Kim pledged to work towards "the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". But progress has since stalled with the two sides disagreeing over what that means. Pyongyang is seeking sanctions relief and rejects demands for what it calls its "unilateral" disarmament, while Washington insists that the punitive measures must stay in place until it gives up its nuclear arsenal. Citing a diplomatic source, the South's Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported Tuesday that Kim Yong Chol, Pompeo's counterpart in the discussion process, was expected to visit Washington later this week for talks. There were no reports that he had passed through Beijing.

North Korean official heads for talks in Sweden: Report

The United States and North Korea plan to hold high-level talks in Washington this week to discuss a second meeting between their leaders, South Korean media said on Tuesday, as the old enemies seek an "interim" deal to revitalise nuclear talks.

The meeting, led by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol, is due on Thursday or Friday, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported, citing an unidentified diplomatic source familiar with the issue.

They are expected to finalise the date and venue of a second summit between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the newspaper said.

The US&nbsp;embassy in Seoul referred questions to the White House. The White House offered no immediate comment on the Chosun Ilbo report, while a State Department official said: "We don't have any meetings to announce."

South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted an unidentified diplomatic source as saying Pompeo and Kim Yong Chol could meet this week.

The North Korean delegation could visit the United States "as soon as this week" but plans have not been finalised, a CNN reporter, citing an unidentified source, said on Twitter.

Trump wrote Kim Jong Un a letter, which was flown to Pyongyang and hand delivered over the weekend, the CNN reporter added, citing the source.

South Korea's foreign ministry spokesman told reporters the North and the United States were "in contact" but it was "inappropriate" to comment on plans for talks.

A meeting this week could mean the two sides are nearing a compromise after months of standoff over how to move forward in ending North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes.

Trump and Kim pledged at their first summit, in Singapore in June, to work towards denuclearisation "of the Korean peninsula". But there has been little significant progress.

Pompeo, who made several trips to Pyongyang last year, sought to meet his counterpart last November, but the talks were called off at the last minute.

Contact was resumed after Kim's New Year's speech, in which he said he was willing to meet Trump "at any time," South Korea's ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-je, told reporters last week.

In Seoul, South Korea deleted a description of North Korea as an "enemy" in its defence white paper released on Tuesday, though it said its weapons of mass destruction posed a threat to peace and stability.

INTERIM MEASURES

The United States and South Korea have been discussing how to respond to any North Korean steps toward denuclearisation, South Korean officials told Reuters.

The United States is considering easing sanctions in exchange for the North's discarding and sending abroad its intercontinental ballistic missiles, in addition to freezing its nuclear programme, the Chosun Ilbo said, citing its source.

US&nbsp;responses could include exemptions from sanctions for inter-Korean business and opening a liaison office, Seoul officials said.

"Those ideas are being discussed as interim measures, not as an end state, in order to expedite the denuclearisation process, because the North wouldn't respond to any demand for a declaration of facilities and weapons," said a senior South Korean official, who declined to be identified.

"The end goal remains unchanged, whether it be complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation, or final, fully verified denuclearisation."

The official said a Trump and Kim meeting could happen by early March, though added: "No one knows what Trump is thinking."

Kim reiterated his resolve to meet Trump during a meeting last week with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump said this month he had received a "great" letter from Kim and would probably meet him again soon.

"At the second summit, they'll probably focus on reaching a possible interim deal, rather than a comprehensive roadmap for denuclearisation," said Cheong Seong-chang, a senior fellow at South Korea's Sejong Institute.

The United States and North Korea plan to hold high-level talks in Washington this week to discuss a second meeting between their leaders, South Korean media said on Tuesday, as the old enemies seek an "interim" deal to revitalise nuclear talks.

The United States and North Korea plan to hold high-level talks in Washington this week to discuss a second meeting between their leaders, South Korean media said on Tuesday, as the old enemies seek an "interim" deal to revitalise nuclear talks. The meeting, led by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol, is due on Thursday or Friday, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported, citing an unidentified diplomatic source familiar with the issue. They are expected to finalise the date and venue of a second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the newspaper said. The US embassy in Seoul referred questions to the White House. The White House offered no immediate comment on the Chosun Ilbo report, while a State Department official said: "We don't have any meetings to announce." South Korea's Yonhap news agency quoted an unidentified diplomatic source as saying Pompeo and Kim Yong Chol could meet this week. The North Korean delegation could visit the United States "as soon as this week" but plans have not been finalised, a CNN reporter, citing an unidentified source, said on Twitter. Trump wrote Kim Jong Un a letter, which was flown to Pyongyang and hand delivered over the weekend, the CNN reporter added, citing the source. South Korea's foreign ministry spokesman told reporters the North and the United States were "in contact" but it was "inappropriate" to comment on plans for talks. A meeting this week could mean the two sides are nearing a compromise after months of standoff over how to move forward in ending North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes. Trump and Kim pledged at their first summit, in Singapore in June, to work towards denuclearisation "of the Korean peninsula". But there has been little significant progress. Pompeo, who made several trips to Pyongyang last year, sought to meet his counterpart last November, but the talks were called off at the last minute. Contact was resumed after Kim's New Year's speech, in which he said he was willing to meet Trump "at any time," South Korea's ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-je, told reporters last week. In Seoul, South Korea deleted a description of North Korea as an "enemy" in its defence white paper released on Tuesday, though it said its weapons of mass destruction posed a threat to peace and stability. INTERIM MEASURES The United States and South Korea have been discussing how to respond to any North Korean steps toward denuclearisation, South Korean officials told Reuters. The United States is considering easing sanctions in exchange for the North's discarding and sending abroad its intercontinental ballistic missiles, in addition to freezing its nuclear programme, the Chosun Ilbo said, citing its source. US responses could include exemptions from sanctions for inter-Korean business and opening a liaison office, Seoul officials said. "Those ideas are being discussed as interim measures, not as an end state, in order to expedite the denuclearisation process, because the North wouldn't respond to any demand for a declaration of facilities and weapons," said a senior South Korean official, who declined to be identified. "The end goal remains unchanged, whether it be complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation, or final, fully verified denuclearisation." The official said a Trump and Kim meeting could happen by early March, though added: "No one knows what Trump is thinking." Kim reiterated his resolve to meet Trump during a meeting last week with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump said this month he had received a "great" letter from Kim and would probably meet him again soon. "At the second summit, they'll probably focus on reaching a possible interim deal, rather than a comprehensive roadmap for denuclearisation," said Cheong Seong-chang, a senior fellow at South Korea's Sejong Institute.

US, North Korea to hold talks this week seeking 'interim' deal: Report

The second meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may happen sooner than expected, recent reports have stated.

According to a Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, Trump has proposed holding the second summit with Kim in mid-February.

The reports have mentioned Vietnam as the potential venue for the meeting.

Vietnam which hosts a North Korean embassy is also located within the limited flying range of Kim's personal jet.&nbsp;

The North Korean foreign minister Ri Yong-ho had met Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi in December.&nbsp;

US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo had also visited Vietnam in June last year during which he called on Kim to "seize the moment and replicate Hanoi's economic reforms".

Trump had said earlier that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-nkorea-negotiating-on-location-for-next-kim-summit-188593">negotiations were underway</a> to decide on the location of the next summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Trump, who held a historic summit with Kim in Singapore in June, said: "We are negotiating a location".

He had also mentioned about a receiving a "great letter" from North Korean leader.

The second meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may happen sooner than expected, recent reports have stated. According to a Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, Trump has proposed holding the second summit with Kim in mid-February.

The second meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may happen sooner than expected, recent reports have stated. According to a Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, Trump has proposed holding the second summit with Kim in mid-February. The reports have mentioned Vietnam as the potential venue for the meeting. Vietnam which hosts a North Korean embassy is also located within the limited flying range of Kim's personal jet. The North Korean foreign minister Ri Yong-ho had met Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi in December. US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo had also visited Vietnam in June last year during which he called on Kim to "seize the moment and replicate Hanoi's economic reforms". Trump had said earlier that negotiations were underway to decide on the location of the next summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Trump, who held a historic summit with Kim in Singapore in June, said: "We are negotiating a location". He had also mentioned about a receiving a "great letter" from North Korean leader.

Second Trump-Kim Summit likely in February: Report

Nepal on Friday strongly pitched for convening of the SAARC summit, saying differences should be resolved through dialogue and the grouping should collectively deal with terrorism and other key challenges facing the region.

Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali also cited last year's historic talks between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore, saying dialogue was the only way to address differences.

"If US President Trump and North Korea's Kim can meet, then why not (leaders of) other countries," he asked during an interaction with a group of foreign policy experts and reporters.

It is Pakistan's turn to host the summit. However, India, citing continued support to cross-border terrorism by Pakistan, has been maintaining that it is difficult to proceed with the summit.&nbsp;

The 2016 SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation) Summit was to be held in Islamabad. But after a deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir that year, India expressed its inability to participate in it.&nbsp;

The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the meet. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the grouping.&nbsp;

"There is no alternative to sitting together and mitigating differences. The problems we (the region) are facing cannot be resolved alone. We need to put collective efforts to deal with various key challenges like climate change and terrorism," Gyawali said.

The Nepalese foreign minister, who held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday, said his country has been raising the issue of the SAARC summit with India.

"I am hopeful the summit will be held soon," Gyawali said.&nbsp;

SAARC summits are usually held biennially, hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the chair of the Association. The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Nepalese foreign minister also said he has requested the Indian government to replace Rs 7 crore worth of old Indian currency notes with new ones. 
Following the demonetisation exercise in India, people in Nepal deposited the old notes in banks in Nepal. Indian currency is extensively used by Nepalese people and businesses.

The Nepalese government last month asked its citizens to refrain from keeping or carrying Indian bank notes higher than Rs 100 denomination. 
On Nepal's ties with China, Gyawali said Nepal has very close ties with India and it will be unfair to compare his country's relationship with India to that of China.

"We have a wonderful relationship with India. I do not want to compare it with our ties with China. We have a good relationship with China and I do not want to compare it with India," he said.

The minister also said the Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) on Nepal-India relations was finalising its report covering all aspects of the bilateral ties and asserted that there was no difference of opinion between the two sides on the issue.

The EPG was formed in January 2016 with the mandate to review various aspects of the bilateral relations including Nepal-India Friendship Treaty 1950.&nbsp;

Nepal on Friday strongly pitched for convening of the SAARC summit, saying differences should be resolved through dialogue and the grouping should collectively deal with terrorism and other key challenges facing the region.

Nepal on Friday strongly pitched for convening of the SAARC summit, saying differences should be resolved through dialogue and the grouping should collectively deal with terrorism and other key challenges facing the region. Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali also cited last year's historic talks between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore, saying dialogue was the only way to address differences. "If US President Trump and North Korea's Kim can meet, then why not (leaders of) other countries," he asked during an interaction with a group of foreign policy experts and reporters. It is Pakistan's turn to host the summit. However, India, citing continued support to cross-border terrorism by Pakistan, has been maintaining that it is difficult to proceed with the summit. The 2016 SAARC (South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation) Summit was to be held in Islamabad. But after a deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir that year, India expressed its inability to participate in it. The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the meet. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the grouping. "There is no alternative to sitting together and mitigating differences. The problems we (the region) are facing cannot be resolved alone. We need to put collective efforts to deal with various key challenges like climate change and terrorism," Gyawali said. The Nepalese foreign minister, who held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday, said his country has been raising the issue of the SAARC summit with India. "I am hopeful the summit will be held soon," Gyawali said. SAARC summits are usually held biennially, hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the chair of the Association. The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Nepalese foreign minister also said he has requested the Indian government to replace Rs 7 crore worth of old Indian currency notes with new ones. Following the demonetisation exercise in India, people in Nepal deposited the old notes in banks in Nepal. Indian currency is extensively used by Nepalese people and businesses. The Nepalese government last month asked its citizens to refrain from keeping or carrying Indian bank notes higher than Rs 100 denomination. On Nepal's ties with China, Gyawali said Nepal has very close ties with India and it will be unfair to compare his country's relationship with India to that of China. "We have a wonderful relationship with India. I do not want to compare it with our ties with China. We have a good relationship with China and I do not want to compare it with India," he said. The minister also said the Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) on Nepal-India relations was finalising its report covering all aspects of the bilateral ties and asserted that there was no difference of opinion between the two sides on the issue. The EPG was formed in January 2016 with the mandate to review various aspects of the bilateral relations including Nepal-India Friendship Treaty 1950.

If Trump and Kim can meet, why not other countries: Nepal on stalled SAARC summit

North Korean leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-on-4-day-visit-to-china-to-meet-president-xi-report-188901">Kim Jong Un's surprise trip to China</a> could herald a new round of summitry on and about the peninsula, analysts say, but may also be an attempt to pressure US President Donald Trump as negotiations between them falter.

Discussions between Pyongyang and Washington over the North's nuclear arsenal have stalled since Kim and Trump's high-profile summit in Singapore, with the US insisting that sanctions must remain in place until it gives up its weapons, and the North demanding an immediate easing.

In his New Year's address -- always a key moment in the North Korean political calendar -- Kim said that if Washington persisted with its approach, "we may be compelled to find a new way for defending the sovereignty of the country and the supreme interests of the state".

With his visit to China, "Kim is eager to remind the Trump administration that he does have diplomatic and economic options besides what Washington and Seoul can offer," said Harry Kazianis of the Center for the National Interest in Washington.

The US should be "quite concerned" by any effort by Pyongyang to strengthen ties with Beijing, he added, as almost all North Korean trade flows through China and any improvement in relations would weaken the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" strategy.

With US and Chinese officials meeting in Beijing to address a trade row that has roiled global markets, he said, "the timing could not be any better" for the Chinese side. "It shows Beijing clearly has a North Korea card to play if it sees fit."

Chinese forces played an integral role defending the North during the 1950-53 Korean War, and Beijing remains Pyongyang's key diplomatic backer and trade partner.

It has always feared the collapse of its neighbour, which would threaten floods of refugees streaming onto its territory and the prospect of US troops stationed on its border in a unified Korea, but in recent years became increasingly frustrated with its nuclear antics.

That changed last spring, when Kim ended six years as a diplomatic recluse to go to Beijing and pay his respects to Xi in his first overseas trip as leader.

A series of visits have followed in both directions -- although Xi has yet to reciprocate with a trip to Pyongyang -- along with three summits between Kim and the South's President Moon Jae-in, and Beijing lent Kim a plane to travel to Singapore.

'Sanctions relief'

At their meeting, Kim and Trump signed a vague pledge to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula in a blaze of publicity, but the two sides have since disagreed over what that means.

Kim did not visit Seoul by the end of last year, despite South Korea's Moon suggesting he would do so, but speculation of a second Kim-Trump summit to try and break the deadlock has mounted.

A location for the meeting was being negotiated, the US president said at the weekend, leading sceptics to express hopes that its substance and outcomes were also being discussed.

Kim's Beijing trip was an indication he could soon travel to Seoul or hold a second summit with Trump, said Cheong Seong-chang, a senior researcher at the Sejong Institute in Seoul.&nbsp;

Last year Kim visited China ahead of his summits with both Trump and Moon, he pointed out.

The accompanying delegation, he noted, included Kim Yong Chol, North Korea's counterpart to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in talks, suggesting that "sanctions relief for Pyongyang" would be on the agenda.

Under Moon, the South has pursued engagement with the North, and analysts in Seoul argued that Chinese concessions could improve the prospects of a deal.&nbsp;

"North Korea could feel insecure or threatened if it gives up its nuclear programmes entirely," said Koh Yu-hwan, professor of North Korean studies at Dongguk University.

"But if Beijing promises Pyongyang that it will provide economic assistance and guarantee its regime security if Pyongyang abandons atomic weapons, it could make the North feel more secure," he told AFP.

Beijing shared Washington's aim of denuclearising Pyongyang, he added, and was "not trying to interfere in the ongoing process between the North and US".

Despite pledges by the Koreas last year to pursue a declaration that the Korean War -- which ended only in an armistice -- is over, little progress has been made, let alone on a full peace treaty.

Beijing sides with Pyongyang on formally ending the three-year conflict, but some suspect North Korea wants to use that to demand US troops in South Korea are withdrawn from the peninsula.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's surprise trip to China could herald a new round of summitry on and about the peninsula, analysts say, but may also be an attempt to pressure US President Donald Trump as negotiations between them falter.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's surprise trip to China could herald a new round of summitry on and about the peninsula, analysts say, but may also be an attempt to pressure US President Donald Trump as negotiations between them falter. Discussions between Pyongyang and Washington over the North's nuclear arsenal have stalled since Kim and Trump's high-profile summit in Singapore, with the US insisting that sanctions must remain in place until it gives up its weapons, and the North demanding an immediate easing. In his New Year's address -- always a key moment in the North Korean political calendar -- Kim said that if Washington persisted with its approach, "we may be compelled to find a new way for defending the sovereignty of the country and the supreme interests of the state". With his visit to China, "Kim is eager to remind the Trump administration that he does have diplomatic and economic options besides what Washington and Seoul can offer," said Harry Kazianis of the Center for the National Interest in Washington. The US should be "quite concerned" by any effort by Pyongyang to strengthen ties with Beijing, he added, as almost all North Korean trade flows through China and any improvement in relations would weaken the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" strategy. With US and Chinese officials meeting in Beijing to address a trade row that has roiled global markets, he said, "the timing could not be any better" for the Chinese side. "It shows Beijing clearly has a North Korea card to play if it sees fit." Chinese forces played an integral role defending the North during the 1950-53 Korean War, and Beijing remains Pyongyang's key diplomatic backer and trade partner. It has always feared the collapse of its neighbour, which would threaten floods of refugees streaming onto its territory and the prospect of US troops stationed on its border in a unified Korea, but in recent years became increasingly frustrated with its nuclear antics. That changed last spring, when Kim ended six years as a diplomatic recluse to go to Beijing and pay his respects to Xi in his first overseas trip as leader. A series of visits have followed in both directions -- although Xi has yet to reciprocate with a trip to Pyongyang -- along with three summits between Kim and the South's President Moon Jae-in, and Beijing lent Kim a plane to travel to Singapore. 'Sanctions relief' At their meeting, Kim and Trump signed a vague pledge to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula in a blaze of publicity, but the two sides have since disagreed over what that means. Kim did not visit Seoul by the end of last year, despite South Korea's Moon suggesting he would do so, but speculation of a second Kim-Trump summit to try and break the deadlock has mounted. A location for the meeting was being negotiated, the US president said at the weekend, leading sceptics to express hopes that its substance and outcomes were also being discussed. Kim's Beijing trip was an indication he could soon travel to Seoul or hold a second summit with Trump, said Cheong Seong-chang, a senior researcher at the Sejong Institute in Seoul. Last year Kim visited China ahead of his summits with both Trump and Moon, he pointed out. The accompanying delegation, he noted, included Kim Yong Chol, North Korea's counterpart to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in talks, suggesting that "sanctions relief for Pyongyang" would be on the agenda. Under Moon, the South has pursued engagement with the North, and analysts in Seoul argued that Chinese concessions could improve the prospects of a deal. "North Korea could feel insecure or threatened if it gives up its nuclear programmes entirely," said Koh Yu-hwan, professor of North Korean studies at Dongguk University. "But if Beijing promises Pyongyang that it will provide economic assistance and guarantee its regime security if Pyongyang abandons atomic weapons, it could make the North feel more secure," he told AFP. Beijing shared Washington's aim of denuclearising Pyongyang, he added, and was "not trying to interfere in the ongoing process between the North and US". Despite pledges by the Koreas last year to pursue a declaration that the Korean War -- which ended only in an armistice -- is over, little progress has been made, let alone on a full peace treaty. Beijing sides with Pyongyang on formally ending the three-year conflict, but some suspect North Korea wants to use that to demand US troops in South Korea are withdrawn from the peninsula.

'Kim Jong Un meeting China's Xi to up pressure on Trump'

Kim Jong un visits Beijing on Xi Jinping's invitation

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is on his way to China for his fourth summit with China`s Xi Jinping, South Korean media said on Monday.&nbsp;

South Korea's Hankyoreh newspaper, citing an unidentified source with close knowledge of North Korea-China affairs, reported that Kim was travelling to Beijing late on Monday to meet with Xi.&nbsp;

South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing an unspecified source familiar with North Korea issues, said a North Korean train carrying a "high-level" official had cross the border into China. 
&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is on his way to China for his fourth summit with China`s Xi Jinping, South Korean media said on Monday. South Korea's Hankyoreh newspaper, citing an unidentified source with close knowledge of North Korea-China affairs, reported that Kim was travelling to Beijing late on Monday to meet with Xi.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is on his way to China for his fourth summit with China`s Xi Jinping, South Korean media said on Monday. South Korea's Hankyoreh newspaper, citing an unidentified source with close knowledge of North Korea-China affairs, reported that Kim was travelling to Beijing late on Monday to meet with Xi. South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing an unspecified source familiar with North Korea issues, said a North Korean train carrying a "high-level" official had cross the border into China.

North Korea's Kim to visit China for fourth summit: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-received-great-letter-from-n-koreas-kim-187951">Trump received 'great' letter from North Korea's Kim, says still expects to hold </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-received-great-letter-from-n-koreas-kim-187951">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-received-great-letter-from-n-koreas-kim-187951"> summit</a>

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had received a "great letter" from Kim Jong Un, after the North Korean leader warned Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">I don't know who's using it: Trump mocks PM Modi for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">library</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955"> in Afghanistan</a>

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for funding a library in Afghanistan, suggesting it was of no use.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-says-faraway-world-ultima-thule-shaped-like-snowman-187963">NASA says faraway world Ultima Thule shaped like 'snowman'</a>

Four billion miles from the sun floats Ultima Thule, an icy celestial body that NASA scientists announced Wednesday is aptly shaped like a giant snowman.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-observes-hartal-over-entry-of-2-women-to-sabarimala-temple-187962">Kerala observes hartal over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-observes-hartal-over-entry-of-2-women-to-sabarimala-temple-187962">entry</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-observes-hartal-over-entry-of-2-women-to-sabarimala-temple-187962"> of 2 women to Sabarimala temple</a>

A dawn-to-dusk 12-hour hartal called by Hindu outfits began Thursday morning in protest against the entry of two women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-4th-test-mayank-hits-2nd-international-fifty-to-lift-india-on-day-1-187960">IND vs AUS, 4th Test: Mayank departs after brilliant 77, India 126/2 after 34 overs</a>

Mayank Agarwal rose to the occasion and hit another half-century to give India a decent start on day 1 of the fourth and final test against Australia, before losing his wicket to Nathan Lyon while trying to hit a big shot. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trump received 'great' letter from North Korea's Kim, says still expects to hold second summit US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had received a "great letter" from Kim Jong Un, after the North Korean leader warned Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions. I don't know who's using it: Trump mocks PM Modi for library in Afghanistan US President Donald Trump on Wednesday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for funding a library in Afghanistan, suggesting it was of no use. NASA says faraway world Ultima Thule shaped like 'snowman' Four billion miles from the sun floats Ultima Thule, an icy celestial body that NASA scientists announced Wednesday is aptly shaped like a giant snowman. Kerala observes hartal over entry of 2 women to Sabarimala temple A dawn-to-dusk 12-hour hartal called by Hindu outfits began Thursday morning in protest against the entry of two women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala temple of Lord Ayyappa. IND vs AUS, 4th Test: Mayank departs after brilliant 77, India 126/2 after 34 overs Mayank Agarwal rose to the occasion and hit another half-century to give India a decent start on day 1 of the fourth and final test against Australia, before losing his wicket to Nathan Lyon while trying to hit a big shot.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he looked forward to another summit with Kim Jong Un, a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-says-new-path-inevitable-if-us-demands-unilateral-action-187606">day after the North Korean leader warned</a> Pyongyang could take a different approach to nuclear talks if US economic sanctions persist.

"I also look forward to meeting with Chairman Kim who realizes so well that North Korea possesses great economic potential!" Trump said in a brief tweet.

The US leader made his comment after citing news coverage of Kim's New Year remark that the North had declared it would neither make nor test nuclear weapons any longer, or proliferate them.

At a summit with Trump in Singapore in June, the two signed a vaguely worded pledge on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

But progress has since stalled with Pyongyang and Washington arguing over what that means.

Trump has previously said that he hoped to have a second meeting with Kim early this year.

But the North is demanding relief from the multiple sanctions over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and has condemned US insistence on its nuclear disarmament as "gangster-like."

Kim, in his New Year speech, said that if the US continues with sanctions "we may be compelled to find a new way for defending the sovereignty of the country and the supreme interests of the state."

He added he was willing to meet Trump at any time and would seek "to obtain without fail results which can be welcomed by the international community."

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he looked forward to another summit with Kim Jong Un, a day after the North Korean leader warned Pyongyang could take a different approach to nuclear talks if US economic sanctions persist.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he looked forward to another summit with Kim Jong Un, a day after the North Korean leader warned Pyongyang could take a different approach to nuclear talks if US economic sanctions persist. "I also look forward to meeting with Chairman Kim who realizes so well that North Korea possesses great economic potential!" Trump said in a brief tweet. The US leader made his comment after citing news coverage of Kim's New Year remark that the North had declared it would neither make nor test nuclear weapons any longer, or proliferate them. At a summit with Trump in Singapore in June, the two signed a vaguely worded pledge on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. But progress has since stalled with Pyongyang and Washington arguing over what that means. Trump has previously said that he hoped to have a second meeting with Kim early this year. But the North is demanding relief from the multiple sanctions over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and has condemned US insistence on its nuclear disarmament as "gangster-like." Kim, in his New Year speech, said that if the US continues with sanctions "we may be compelled to find a new way for defending the sovereignty of the country and the supreme interests of the state." He added he was willing to meet Trump at any time and would seek "to obtain without fail results which can be welcomed by the international community."

After Pyongyang's warning, Trump says looks forward to new meeting with Kim

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Tuesday that his resolve for complete denuclearisation remains unchanged but he may have no option but to seek a "new path" if the United States continues to demand unilateral action from North Korea.

In his New Year address, Kim said there would be faster progress on denuclearisation if the United States takes corresponding action.

He added that he is willing to meet US&nbsp;President Donald Trump at any time.

Kim also called for South Korea to stop joint military exercises with "outside forces" involving strategic assets, while multilateral negotiations should be pursued to build a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korean media on Monday reported that leader Kim Jong Un sent a "conciliatory message" to US President Donald Trump amid stalled nuclear negotiations.

The report did not include details about the message but said it related to US-North Korea talks, and was conciliatory in tone.

On Sunday, the office of South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Kim had sent a letter to his counterpart in Seoul saying he wants to hold more inter-Korean summits next year to achieve denuclearisation of the peninsula.

Neither the US State Department nor the US Embassy in Seoul had an immediate comment about the report of Kim's message to Trump when contacted by Reuters.

"There is a dialogue channel between North Korea and the United States through which they exchange active communication, but I cannot know whether it took the form of letter or something else," Moon's spokesman told a news briefing on Monday.

However, both sides have struggled to make progress on this matter. They are also yet to reschedule a meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol after an abrupt cancellation in November.

Pyongyang's state media has credited Trump for his willingness to continue dialogue but has also slammed the US State Department for tightening sanctions.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Tuesday that his resolve for complete denuclearisation remains unchanged but he may have no option but to seek a "new path" if the United States continues to demand unilateral action from North Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Tuesday that his resolve for complete denuclearisation remains unchanged but he may have no option but to seek a "new path" if the United States continues to demand unilateral action from North Korea. In his New Year address, Kim said there would be faster progress on denuclearisation if the United States takes corresponding action. He added that he is willing to meet US President Donald Trump at any time. Kim also called for South Korea to stop joint military exercises with "outside forces" involving strategic assets, while multilateral negotiations should be pursued to build a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. North Korean media on Monday reported that leader Kim Jong Un sent a "conciliatory message" to US President Donald Trump amid stalled nuclear negotiations. The report did not include details about the message but said it related to US-North Korea talks, and was conciliatory in tone. On Sunday, the office of South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Kim had sent a letter to his counterpart in Seoul saying he wants to hold more inter-Korean summits next year to achieve denuclearisation of the peninsula. Neither the US State Department nor the US Embassy in Seoul had an immediate comment about the report of Kim's message to Trump when contacted by Reuters. "There is a dialogue channel between North Korea and the United States through which they exchange active communication, but I cannot know whether it took the form of letter or something else," Moon's spokesman told a news briefing on Monday. However, both sides have struggled to make progress on this matter. They are also yet to reschedule a meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol after an abrupt cancellation in November. Pyongyang's state media has credited Trump for his willingness to continue dialogue but has also slammed the US State Department for tightening sanctions.

North Korea warns: Kim says 'new path' inevitable if US demands unilateral action

This is President of the United States for you.

A political novice, businessman and former fledgling real estate figure whose presidency has been filled with controversies, policy upheavals and high profile exits.

2018 was no different.

In June this year, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-concerned-about-being-impeached-report-183111">Trump</a> held a historic summit with the North Korean leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pictures-with-kim-jong-un-mask-pulled-down-from-social-media-after-backlash-in-south-korea-183853">Kim Jong-un</a>.&nbsp;

The meeting aimed to lay the groundwork for ending a nuclear stand-off between the countries. The joint statement signed at the end of their meeting pledged to work towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula while Washington committed to provide security guarantees to North Korea.

But as the world applauded the US and South Korea in bringing the unpredictable Kim Jong-un to the talking table,&nbsp;disappointed allies looked on as Trump pulled out the US from a 2015 international agreement with Iran&nbsp;designed to deny Tehran the ability to build nuclear weapons.

Trump said he planned to restore the full force of US sanctions on Iran as the deal was&nbsp;flawed since then Trump has imposed sanctions on several countries trading with Iran, slapping sanctions on them as well including India despite certain waivers.

"In a few moments, I will sign a presidential memorandum to begin reinstating US nuclear sanctions on the Iranian regime. We will be instituting the highest level of economic sanction. Any nation that helps Iran in its quest for nuclear weapons could also be strongly sanctioned by the United States. America will not be held hostage to nuclear blackmail," Trump said.

Kim was not the only dictator Trump cosied up to. In July, he met with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-right-to-pull-us-troops-out-of-syria-says-putin-185511">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> in Helsinki, talking without aides present for over two hours, then emerging to declare that Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial&nbsp;of meddling in the 2016 election.

In November, Trump took the side of the Saudi crown prince <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mohammed-bin-salman-reformist-prince-who-has-shaken-saudi-arabia-184964">Mohammed bin Salman</a>, who allegedly directed the murder and dismemberment of journalist and dissident <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-other-journalists-are-named-time-magazines-person-of-the-year-183310">Jamal Khashoggi</a>, a US resident at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. And as the world leaders reacted sharply to the murder of Khashoggi, his own CIA confirmed that they had audio proof of the Saudi crown prince MBS ordering his brutal murder; a defiant Trump called the proof unconfirmed and speculative.

While most countries have believed in hyphenating&nbsp;the relationship between Israel and Palestine and promising a two-state solution, the US under Trump this year also shifted its embassy from Tel Aviv to&nbsp;Jerusalem on May 14.&nbsp;Trump's decision to break with decades of US policy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel caused significant criticism and violence, with 40 Palestinians being killed by&nbsp;Israeli troops in Gaza during a six-week-long border protest.

So, Trump made several policy shifts,&nbsp;symptomatic of his presidency. He's also had several run-ins with the press.

President Trump left the Group of Seven summit early and announced he was backing out of the joint communique issued by the other leaders aimed at maintaining a fragile consensus on the trade dispute between Washington and its top allies pushing for free, fair and mutually beneficial trade leaving the leaders in disarray and slapping tariffs on steel, aluminium imports from China, the EU and Mexico.

But the biggest blow was yet to come to the global economy. Trump hit China with sanctions on Chinese imports worth US $285 billion, promising more as stocks world over fell, oil prices spiked and currencies tumbled on a potential trade war.

Months later, in December, US and China announced a ceasefire in their tariff wars a pause on the trade wars for 90 days and holding off on raising tariffs by 25% and imposition of additional levies.

The tariffs started small, with duties on washing machines, then ramped up with steel and aluminum, then escalated into a broad range of levies affecting allies like Canada as much as economic foes like China. Agricultural exports were hit hard.

Trump touted his renegotiation of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-happens-if-the-us-terminates-nafta-181728">North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)</a>, in which Mexico and Canada agreed to new terms ostensibly better for us industry.

Trump also withdrew from what he described as a "hypocritical and self-serving" United Nations human rights council on June 19 over what it called chronic bias against Israel and a lack of reform. The withdrawal, announced by US ambassador to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-continues-to-harbour-terrorists-nikki-haley-182609">UN Nikki Haley</a>, followed the US pulling out of the Paris climate agreement and the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. It also came as the United States faced intense criticism for detaining children separated from their immigrant parents at the US-Mexico border.

Trump's choice of the Supreme Court judge Brett Kavanaugh plagued his presidency for months with accusations of sexual harassment against the nominee, but Trump brazened it out as he did on his alleged relationship with adult star Stormy Daniels and the murder of&nbsp;dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

He's changed the constitution of the Supreme Court.&nbsp;Approximately one-sixth of all federal appellate judges are now Trump appointees.

He also&nbsp;spurned fiscal conservatism in 2018, boosting spending toward a US $1 trillion annual deficit and ballooning the national debt by the US $1.9 trillion. He also abandoned his populist economic promises, which included raising taxes on hedge-fund managers, providing universal health care, spending on public works and reining in prescription&nbsp;drug prices.

Donald Trump came to the presidency by surprise and&nbsp;has been a disrupter ever since. He's stoked political divisions, breaking policy norms, weakening institutions and disavowing decades of US strategy- how different will 2019 be?

This is President of the United States for you. A political novice, businessman and former fledgling real estate figure whose presidency has been filled with controversies, policy upheavals and high profile exits.

This is President of the United States for you. A political novice, businessman and former fledgling real estate figure whose presidency has been filled with controversies, policy upheavals and high profile exits. 2018 was no different. In June this year, Trump held a historic summit with the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The meeting aimed to lay the groundwork for ending a nuclear stand-off between the countries. The joint statement signed at the end of their meeting pledged to work towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula while Washington committed to provide security guarantees to North Korea. But as the world applauded the US and South Korea in bringing the unpredictable Kim Jong-un to the talking table, disappointed allies looked on as Trump pulled out the US from a 2015 international agreement with Iran designed to deny Tehran the ability to build nuclear weapons. Trump said he planned to restore the full force of US sanctions on Iran as the deal was flawed since then Trump has imposed sanctions on several countries trading with Iran, slapping sanctions on them as well including India despite certain waivers. "In a few moments, I will sign a presidential memorandum to begin reinstating US nuclear sanctions on the Iranian regime. We will be instituting the highest level of economic sanction. Any nation that helps Iran in its quest for nuclear weapons could also be strongly sanctioned by the United States. America will not be held hostage to nuclear blackmail," Trump said. Kim was not the only dictator Trump cosied up to. In July, he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, talking without aides present for over two hours, then emerging to declare that Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial of meddling in the 2016 election. In November, Trump took the side of the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, who allegedly directed the murder and dismemberment of journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi, a US resident at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. And as the world leaders reacted sharply to the murder of Khashoggi, his own CIA confirmed that they had audio proof of the Saudi crown prince MBS ordering his brutal murder; a defiant Trump called the proof unconfirmed and speculative. While most countries have believed in hyphenating the relationship between Israel and Palestine and promising a two-state solution, the US under Trump this year also shifted its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 14. Trump's decision to break with decades of US policy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel caused significant criticism and violence, with 40 Palestinians being killed by Israeli troops in Gaza during a six-week-long border protest. So, Trump made several policy shifts, symptomatic of his presidency. He's also had several run-ins with the press. President Trump left the Group of Seven summit early and announced he was backing out of the joint communique issued by the other leaders aimed at maintaining a fragile consensus on the trade dispute between Washington and its top allies pushing for free, fair and mutually beneficial trade leaving the leaders in disarray and slapping tariffs on steel, aluminium imports from China, the EU and Mexico. But the biggest blow was yet to come to the global economy. Trump hit China with sanctions on Chinese imports worth US $285 billion, promising more as stocks world over fell, oil prices spiked and currencies tumbled on a potential trade war. Months later, in December, US and China announced a ceasefire in their tariff wars a pause on the trade wars for 90 days and holding off on raising tariffs by 25% and imposition of additional levies. The tariffs started small, with duties on washing machines, then ramped up with steel and aluminum, then escalated into a broad range of levies affecting allies like Canada as much as economic foes like China. Agricultural exports were hit hard. Trump touted his renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), in which Mexico and Canada agreed to new terms ostensibly better for us industry. Trump also withdrew from what he described as a "hypocritical and self-serving" United Nations human rights council on June 19 over what it called chronic bias against Israel and a lack of reform. The withdrawal, announced by US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, followed the US pulling out of the Paris climate agreement and the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. It also came as the United States faced intense criticism for detaining children separated from their immigrant parents at the US-Mexico border. Trump's choice of the Supreme Court judge Brett Kavanaugh plagued his presidency for months with accusations of sexual harassment against the nominee, but Trump brazened it out as he did on his alleged relationship with adult star Stormy Daniels and the murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. He's changed the constitution of the Supreme Court. Approximately one-sixth of all federal appellate judges are now Trump appointees. He also spurned fiscal conservatism in 2018, boosting spending toward a US $1 trillion annual deficit and ballooning the national debt by the US $1.9 trillion. He also abandoned his populist economic promises, which included raising taxes on hedge-fund managers, providing universal health care, spending on public works and reining in prescription drug prices. Donald Trump came to the presidency by surprise and has been a disrupter ever since. He's stoked political divisions, breaking policy norms, weakening institutions and disavowing decades of US strategy- how different will 2019 be?

Donald Trump: US President marks another year of controversies

North Korea on Sunday condemned the US&nbsp;administration for stepping up sanctions and pressure on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-still-maintaining-ballistic-missile-sites-us-think-tank-176984">the nuclear-armed country</a>, warning of a return to "exchanges of fire" and that disarming Pyongyang could be blocked forever.

The North's stinging response came after the United States said on Monday it had introduced sanctions on three North Korean officials, including a top aide to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, for alleged human rights abuses.

Denuclearising North Korea has made little progress since Kim Jong Un and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump met in Singapore in June in a historic summit. The two sides have yet to reschedule working-level talks between US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol, which were cancelled abruptly in November.

While crediting Trump for his "willingness" to improve relations with the North, also known as DPRK, Pyongyang accused the US&nbsp;State Department of being "bent on bringing the DPRK-US&nbsp;relations back to the status of last year which was marked by exchanges of fire."

North Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement that Washington had taken "sanctions measures for as many as eight times against the companies, individuals and ships of not only the DPRK but also Russia, China and other third countries..."

If the US&nbsp;administration believed that heightened sanctions and pressure would force Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons, "it will count as (its) greatest miscalculation, and it will block the path to denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula forever - a result desired by no one," according to the statement.

The foreign ministry statement was released under the name of the policy research director of the Institute for American Studies.

North Korea on Sunday condemned the US administration for stepping up sanctions and pressure on the nuclear-armed country, warning of a return to "exchanges of fire" and that disarming Pyongyang could be blocked forever.

North Korea on Sunday condemned the US administration for stepping up sanctions and pressure on the nuclear-armed country, warning of a return to "exchanges of fire" and that disarming Pyongyang could be blocked forever. The North's stinging response came after the United States said on Monday it had introduced sanctions on three North Korean officials, including a top aide to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, for alleged human rights abuses. Denuclearising North Korea has made little progress since Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump met in Singapore in June in a historic summit. The two sides have yet to reschedule working-level talks between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol, which were cancelled abruptly in November. While crediting Trump for his "willingness" to improve relations with the North, also known as DPRK, Pyongyang accused the US State Department of being "bent on bringing the DPRK-US relations back to the status of last year which was marked by exchanges of fire." North Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement that Washington had taken "sanctions measures for as many as eight times against the companies, individuals and ships of not only the DPRK but also Russia, China and other third countries..." If the US administration believed that heightened sanctions and pressure would force Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons, "it will count as (its) greatest miscalculation, and it will block the path to denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula forever - a result desired by no one," according to the statement. The foreign ministry statement was released under the name of the policy research director of the Institute for American Studies.

Denuclearisation is at risk, warns North Korea; condemns UN sanctions

Over dozens of people in South Korea recently posted pictures of themselves in "nuke masks" featuring North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un on social media.

The pictures were later pulled down after the users received heavy backlash on local media.

Following the&nbsp;backlash, many South Korean stores also discontinued the sale of the masks.

The facial masks featuring the North Korean leader were created by 5149, a South Korean fashion and cosmetics company, and were sold for 4,000 won (£2.80), a report said.

In an interview with the New York Times, the firm's chief executive Kwak Hyeon-Ju said the masks were made to celebrate the "once in a lifetime" Korean summits held earlier this year.

The leaders of the two countries held a historic meet this year in April over denuclearisation.

The North Korea leader Kim Jong Un, in one of the historic move, crossed the southern border to hold a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-In.

The meeting which was held after over a decade aimed to turn the DMZ - long a symbol of tension and division - into a “peace zone.”

Over dozens of people in South Korea recently posted pictures of themselves in "nuke masks" featuring North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un on social media. The pictures were later pulled down after the users received heavy backlash on local media.

Over dozens of people in South Korea recently posted pictures of themselves in "nuke masks" featuring North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un on social media. The pictures were later pulled down after the users received heavy backlash on local media. Following the backlash, many South Korean stores also discontinued the sale of the masks. The facial masks featuring the North Korean leader were created by 5149, a South Korean fashion and cosmetics company, and were sold for 4,000 won (£2.80), a report said. In an interview with the New York Times, the firm's chief executive Kwak Hyeon-Ju said the masks were made to celebrate the "once in a lifetime" Korean summits held earlier this year. The leaders of the two countries held a historic meet this year in April over denuclearisation. The North Korea leader Kim Jong Un, in one of the historic move, crossed the southern border to hold a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-In. The meeting which was held after over a decade aimed to turn the DMZ - long a symbol of tension and division - into a “peace zone.”

South Korea firm sells mask featuring North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, faces backlash

Canadian<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrest-fallout-after-ex-diplomat-another-canadian-national-goes-missing-after-questioning-by-chinese-authorities-183587"> Michael Spavor </a>has jet skied with Kim Jong Un, felt the ground shake from a North Korean nuclear test, and now it appears, been detained by Chinese authorities.

Spavor, a business consultant with deep ties to North Korea, is being investigated on suspicion of endangering state security, Chinese state media reported. The Canadian government says it has been unable to contact him and phone calls, messages and emails to Spavor went unanswered on Thursday.

When North Korean leader Kim launched a bid to engage the world and attract international investment this year, Spavor was uniquely positioned to play a role.

As one of the few Westerners with personal ties to the North Korea government and Kim himself, Spavor has been trying to drum up international interest in investing in North Korean economic projects, in anticipation of sanctions being eased amid warming ties.

Spavor is best known in the region for his relationship with Kim Jong Un, and his role in facilitating a visit to Pyongyang by American basketball star Dennis Rodman in 2013.

"That was the most amazing experience I've had in my life .. We hung out for three days," Spavor told Reuters in a 2017 interview.

Images from that time show Spavor sharing cocktails with Kim on board one of his private boats, after they had been jet-skiing in the bay next to Wonsan, one of Kim's pet economic development areas.

In 2015, Spavor was involved in efforts to attract more than $150 million in foreign funds for Wonsan, including $39 million to fund a new brewery.

Special access

The investigation into Spavor follows the detention in Beijing on Monday of former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, who Chinese state media report is being investigated on the same charges.

China has reacted angrily to Canada's arrest on Dec. 1 of Chinese executive Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of China's Huawei Technologies, and Spavor's investigation is likely to further escalate the diplomatic row.

Now based in the border city of Dandong in China, Spavor has been cultivating ties between potential Chinese investors and North Korean officials.

Spavor's experience with North Korea dates to at least 2001. In 2005, he lived in Pyongyang for several months teaching at a school run by a Canadian non-governmental organisation, according to the website for his organisation, Paektu Cultural Exchange.

Since then he's mastered the Korean language - with a distinctly North Korean accent - and maintained regular contact with many people in North Korea, including Kim Jong Un.

Spavor's contacts in the isolated and tightly controlled nation have allowed him access when other outsiders were blocked.

In February, North Korea barred most foreign media from covering a large military parade in downtown Pyongyang. Spavor was front and centre in the parade area, streaming online video of tanks rolling by as North Koreans celebrated.

Gregarious and affable, Spavor is a fixture in the small community of North Korea watchers, with analysts and journalists often seeking his rare insight into the country.

Spavor keeps a number of photos of his meetings with Kim on his phone, and describes the North Korean leader as charismatic and smart.

But Spavor also is discrete about his contacts with the controversial regime, declining to comment on politics and noting that his work focuses on cultural and business ties.

"For me, encouraging these sports engagement events, these nonpolitical friendship interactions, promoting these kind of events can show people that Americans and Koreans can get along very well," he said in the 2017 interview. "I guess if we can continue to increase these exchanges, then we hope that has an effect on politicians too."

Sanctions

But North Korea's weapons programmes in defiance of U.N. resolutions and dismal human rights reputation has always been a lingering presence.

In September 2017, Spavor was among those in the Chinese border city of Yanji who said they felt the jolt from North Korea’s sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

Spavor told Reuters at the time he was eating brunch when he felt the building shake for about five seconds, before the city's air raid sirens sounded.

Ahead of a major publicity push by North Korea around its foundation day events in early September, Spavor told Reuters he was taking dozens of Chinese investors and entrepreneurs into North Korea to "attend matchmaking sessions with various government officials and stakeholders as well as visiting existing and future development zones".

There have been some signs that enforcement of sanctions has eased amid diplomatic outreach, but Washington has said sanctions will remain in force until more progress is made toward denuclearising North Korea.

When asked about the sanctions in September, Spavor said his clients "are aware of the current sanctions and are waiting for potential investment projects and other business for when the Chinese government gives the green light on business as usual."

In his latest posts on social media on Monday, Spavor said he was on his way to the South Korean capital of Seoul for new consulting work and meetings with friends.

His friends say he never arrived.

Canadian Michael Spavor has jet skied with Kim Jong Un, felt the ground shake from a North Korean nuclear test, and now it appears, been detained by Chinese authorities.

Canadian Michael Spavor has jet skied with Kim Jong Un, felt the ground shake from a North Korean nuclear test, and now it appears, been detained by Chinese authorities. Spavor, a business consultant with deep ties to North Korea, is being investigated on suspicion of endangering state security, Chinese state media reported. The Canadian government says it has been unable to contact him and phone calls, messages and emails to Spavor went unanswered on Thursday. When North Korean leader Kim launched a bid to engage the world and attract international investment this year, Spavor was uniquely positioned to play a role. As one of the few Westerners with personal ties to the North Korea government and Kim himself, Spavor has been trying to drum up international interest in investing in North Korean economic projects, in anticipation of sanctions being eased amid warming ties. Spavor is best known in the region for his relationship with Kim Jong Un, and his role in facilitating a visit to Pyongyang by American basketball star Dennis Rodman in 2013. "That was the most amazing experience I've had in my life .. We hung out for three days," Spavor told Reuters in a 2017 interview. Images from that time show Spavor sharing cocktails with Kim on board one of his private boats, after they had been jet-skiing in the bay next to Wonsan, one of Kim's pet economic development areas. In 2015, Spavor was involved in efforts to attract more than $150 million in foreign funds for Wonsan, including $39 million to fund a new brewery. Special access The investigation into Spavor follows the detention in Beijing on Monday of former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, who Chinese state media report is being investigated on the same charges. China has reacted angrily to Canada's arrest on Dec. 1 of Chinese executive Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of China's Huawei Technologies, and Spavor's investigation is likely to further escalate the diplomatic row. Now based in the border city of Dandong in China, Spavor has been cultivating ties between potential Chinese investors and North Korean officials. Spavor's experience with North Korea dates to at least 2001. In 2005, he lived in Pyongyang for several months teaching at a school run by a Canadian non-governmental organisation, according to the website for his organisation, Paektu Cultural Exchange. Since then he's mastered the Korean language - with a distinctly North Korean accent - and maintained regular contact with many people in North Korea, including Kim Jong Un. Spavor's contacts in the isolated and tightly controlled nation have allowed him access when other outsiders were blocked. In February, North Korea barred most foreign media from covering a large military parade in downtown Pyongyang. Spavor was front and centre in the parade area, streaming online video of tanks rolling by as North Koreans celebrated. Gregarious and affable, Spavor is a fixture in the small community of North Korea watchers, with analysts and journalists often seeking his rare insight into the country. Spavor keeps a number of photos of his meetings with Kim on his phone, and describes the North Korean leader as charismatic and smart. But Spavor also is discrete about his contacts with the controversial regime, declining to comment on politics and noting that his work focuses on cultural and business ties. "For me, encouraging these sports engagement events, these nonpolitical friendship interactions, promoting these kind of events can show people that Americans and Koreans can get along very well," he said in the 2017 interview. "I guess if we can continue to increase these exchanges, then we hope that has an effect on politicians too." Sanctions But North Korea's weapons programmes in defiance of U.N. resolutions and dismal human rights reputation has always been a lingering presence. In September 2017, Spavor was among those in the Chinese border city of Yanji who said they felt the jolt from North Korea’s sixth and most powerful nuclear test. Spavor told Reuters at the time he was eating brunch when he felt the building shake for about five seconds, before the city's air raid sirens sounded. Ahead of a major publicity push by North Korea around its foundation day events in early September, Spavor told Reuters he was taking dozens of Chinese investors and entrepreneurs into North Korea to "attend matchmaking sessions with various government officials and stakeholders as well as visiting existing and future development zones". There have been some signs that enforcement of sanctions has eased amid diplomatic outreach, but Washington has said sanctions will remain in force until more progress is made toward denuclearising North Korea. When asked about the sanctions in September, Spavor said his clients "are aware of the current sanctions and are waiting for potential investment projects and other business for when the Chinese government gives the green light on business as usual." In his latest posts on social media on Monday, Spavor said he was on his way to the South Korean capital of Seoul for new consulting work and meetings with friends. His friends say he never arrived.

Canadian businessman Spavor being investigated: Chinese state media

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three North Korean officials as it called the regime's human rights record among the world's worst, in an abrupt shift from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-will-grant-kim-jong-uns-wishes-after-denuclearisation-south-korea-president-181032">President Donald Trump</a>'s efforts to woo the regime.

In actions required by Congress, the Trump administration said it would seize any US assets of Choe Ryong Hae, described as the right-hand man of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-activity-at-north-korean-missile-base-report-181786">leader Kim Jong Un</a>, and two others over their roles in suppression of freedom of speech.

"Standing up for such rights and freedoms is a foreign policy priority that represents the best traditions of the United States," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said.

"Human rights abuses in North Korea remain among the worst in the world and include extrajudicial killings, forced labour, torture, prolonged arbitrary detention, rape, forced abortions and other sexual violence," he said.

The State Department is required by a 2016 law to produce a report on North Korean human rights for Congress twice a year.

But its submission on Monday -- International Human Rights Day -- was the first since October 2017 as Trump championed diplomacy with North Korea that focused squarely on its nuclear program.

"The United States has consistently condemned the North Korean regime for its flagrant and egregious abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and this administration will continue to take action against human rights abusers around the globe," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement announcing the sanctions.

Trump, however, has openly played down human rights concerns when preserving relationships with allies, notably Saudi Arabia.

The sanctions will seize any assets of the three officials in the United States and ban any US-based financial transactions with them.

Such restrictions may have little impact on officials in one of the world's most closed countries but will have a clear symbolic force as North Korea seeks greater acceptance by the United States.

Kim and Trump held the first-of-a-kind summit in June in Singapore as North Korea seeks a historic declaration of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.

Trump, who saw the summit as a highlight in his foreign affairs record, has said that he and Kim are "in love" and as recently as this month voiced respect for the North Korean leader.

But Trump's hopes of arranging a follow-up summit have been at a standstill, with the North Koreans abruptly calling off a meeting in New York last month with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

North Korea has been insisting on a relaxation of wide-ranging sanctions on the country, while the United States said that the UN Security Council should only ease pressure once Pyongyang takes concrete steps to end its nuclear program.

Choe is a lifetime confidant of Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, and in the past has been described as the effective number-two in controlling the military.

He is often trusted to make foreign trips or deliver high-profile announcements. At a major military parade last year, he warned that North Korea was ready to "beat down enemies with the power of nuclear justice."

When Choe briefly vanished from official media in 2014, North Korea watchers feared he suffered a fate similar to Kim's uncle, Jang Song Thaek, who was executed as a traitor, but Choe quickly re-emerged in prominent roles.

The Treasury Department noted that Choe is head of the ruling Workers Party's Organization and Guidance Department, which enforces ideological discipline and ensures that all officials keep in line.

Another of the officials targeted was Jong Kyong Thaek, the minister of state security, which is in charge of counter-intelligence operations.

The third sanctioned official was Pak Kwang Ho, who is involved in widespread censorship as director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department.

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three North Korean officials as it called the regime's human rights record among the world's worst, in an abrupt shift from President Donald Trump's efforts to woo the regime.

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three North Korean officials as it called the regime's human rights record among the world's worst, in an abrupt shift from President Donald Trump's efforts to woo the regime. In actions required by Congress, the Trump administration said it would seize any US assets of Choe Ryong Hae, described as the right-hand man of leader Kim Jong Un, and two others over their roles in suppression of freedom of speech. "Standing up for such rights and freedoms is a foreign policy priority that represents the best traditions of the United States," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said. "Human rights abuses in North Korea remain among the worst in the world and include extrajudicial killings, forced labour, torture, prolonged arbitrary detention, rape, forced abortions and other sexual violence," he said. The State Department is required by a 2016 law to produce a report on North Korean human rights for Congress twice a year. But its submission on Monday -- International Human Rights Day -- was the first since October 2017 as Trump championed diplomacy with North Korea that focused squarely on its nuclear program. "The United States has consistently condemned the North Korean regime for its flagrant and egregious abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and this administration will continue to take action against human rights abusers around the globe," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement announcing the sanctions. Trump, however, has openly played down human rights concerns when preserving relationships with allies, notably Saudi Arabia. The sanctions will seize any assets of the three officials in the United States and ban any US-based financial transactions with them. Such restrictions may have little impact on officials in one of the world's most closed countries but will have a clear symbolic force as North Korea seeks greater acceptance by the United States. Kim and Trump held the first-of-a-kind summit in June in Singapore as North Korea seeks a historic declaration of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. Trump, who saw the summit as a highlight in his foreign affairs record, has said that he and Kim are "in love" and as recently as this month voiced respect for the North Korean leader. But Trump's hopes of arranging a follow-up summit have been at a standstill, with the North Koreans abruptly calling off a meeting in New York last month with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. North Korea has been insisting on a relaxation of wide-ranging sanctions on the country, while the United States said that the UN Security Council should only ease pressure once Pyongyang takes concrete steps to end its nuclear program. Choe is a lifetime confidant of Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, and in the past has been described as the effective number-two in controlling the military. He is often trusted to make foreign trips or deliver high-profile announcements. At a major military parade last year, he warned that North Korea was ready to "beat down enemies with the power of nuclear justice." When Choe briefly vanished from official media in 2014, North Korea watchers feared he suffered a fate similar to Kim's uncle, Jang Song Thaek, who was executed as a traitor, but Choe quickly re-emerged in prominent roles. The Treasury Department noted that Choe is head of the ruling Workers Party's Organization and Guidance Department, which enforces ideological discipline and ensures that all officials keep in line. Another of the officials targeted was Jong Kyong Thaek, the minister of state security, which is in charge of counter-intelligence operations. The third sanctioned official was Pak Kwang Ho, who is involved in widespread censorship as director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department.

US sanctions top Kim aides over North Korea human rights record

Lined up in vividly-coloured costumes, make-up and bright smiles, the children of the Sinuiju City Kindergarten belted out the finale of their hour-long show, "We Cannot Live Without You, Father" -- an ode to Kim Jong Un.

The five- and six-year-olds' previous number, "The Voice of My Heart", lauded the Workers' Party of Korea, which has ruled the North since the country's 1948 foundation.

Their musicianship was remarkable and the hour-long performance featured singing footballing girls -- North Korea is a power in the women's game -- and drumming boys in blue waistcoats, interspersed with political messages.

Songs included "We have Nothing to Envy" and two more titled "Our Country is the Best" or similar.

From an early age North Korean children are taught to revere the country's rulers.

A mural of its founder Kim Il Sung and his son and successor Kim Jong Il surrounded by adoring youngsters stands in the entrance of the kindergarten in Sinuiju, on the border with China.

The two men are referred to as the Great Leaders and their portraits gaze down from the wall of every classroom, home and office in the country.

The incumbent Kim Jong Un, the third generation of the family to take charge of the country, is known as the Supreme Leader.

"From a young age we educate the children to know about our great leaders and the supreme leader," said the kindergarten's principal Kang Sun Hui.

"The most important thing is that the children know and admire the party, the leader and the nation, and we attach the greatest significance to loyalty."

The Sinuiju kindergarten is a showpiece establishment that teaches art and calligraphy as well as music, and exemplary discipline.

Once North Korean children reach school, "revolutionary studies" are a key part of the curriculum.

They start with two hours a week on the childhoods of the elder Kims and two years later, Kim Jong Suk, the wife of Kim Il Sung and mother of Kim Jong Il, joins the pantheon.

By the final year of school, around a fifth of the school week is devoted to the subject.

But the core lessons are learned early.

Out of 750 youngsters at the kindergarten, 39 were chosen to take part in this year's Mass Games, the North's all-singing, all-dancing propaganda display, undergoing months of intense training in Pyongyang.

Kim Jong Un saw the show six times during its run, accompanied once by the South's democratically-elected President Moon Jae-in, who has brokered talks between Pyongyang and Washington.

"The children were so happy when the Supreme Leader was watching they cried as they performed," Kang said. "Afterwards they said, 'I saw our father, our Supreme Leader' and cried tears of joy."

&nbsp;

Lined up in vividly-coloured costumes, make-up and bright smiles, the children of the Sinuiju City Kindergarten belted out the finale of their hour-long show, "We Cannot Live Without You, Father" -- an ode to Kim Jong Un.

Lined up in vividly-coloured costumes, make-up and bright smiles, the children of the Sinuiju City Kindergarten belted out the finale of their hour-long show, "We Cannot Live Without You, Father" -- an ode to Kim Jong Un. The five- and six-year-olds' previous number, "The Voice of My Heart", lauded the Workers' Party of Korea, which has ruled the North since the country's 1948 foundation. Their musicianship was remarkable and the hour-long performance featured singing footballing girls -- North Korea is a power in the women's game -- and drumming boys in blue waistcoats, interspersed with political messages. Songs included "We have Nothing to Envy" and two more titled "Our Country is the Best" or similar. From an early age North Korean children are taught to revere the country's rulers. A mural of its founder Kim Il Sung and his son and successor Kim Jong Il surrounded by adoring youngsters stands in the entrance of the kindergarten in Sinuiju, on the border with China. The two men are referred to as the Great Leaders and their portraits gaze down from the wall of every classroom, home and office in the country. The incumbent Kim Jong Un, the third generation of the family to take charge of the country, is known as the Supreme Leader. "From a young age we educate the children to know about our great leaders and the supreme leader," said the kindergarten's principal Kang Sun Hui. "The most important thing is that the children know and admire the party, the leader and the nation, and we attach the greatest significance to loyalty." The Sinuiju kindergarten is a showpiece establishment that teaches art and calligraphy as well as music, and exemplary discipline. Once North Korean children reach school, "revolutionary studies" are a key part of the curriculum. They start with two hours a week on the childhoods of the elder Kims and two years later, Kim Jong Suk, the wife of Kim Il Sung and mother of Kim Jong Il, joins the pantheon. By the final year of school, around a fifth of the school week is devoted to the subject. But the core lessons are learned early. Out of 750 youngsters at the kindergarten, 39 were chosen to take part in this year's Mass Games, the North's all-singing, all-dancing propaganda display, undergoing months of intense training in Pyongyang. Kim Jong Un saw the show six times during its run, accompanied once by the South's democratically-elected President Moon Jae-in, who has brokered talks between Pyongyang and Washington. "The children were so happy when the Supreme Leader was watching they cried as they performed," Kang said. "Afterwards they said, 'I saw our father, our Supreme Leader' and cried tears of joy."

Lyrics of loyalty for North Korea's children

North Korea has expanded a key long-range missile base in the months since a summit between the country's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump, according to satellite images published by CNN on Wednesday.

The two men met in Singapore in June and signed a vaguely worded document that pledged to "work toward" the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, though it did not detail specifics on how this would come about.

According to CNN, Pyongyang has upgraded the Yeongjeo-dong missile base in North Korea's mountainous interior and has built up another facility that had not previously been publicly identified.&nbsp;

Experts told the US news network that the site's location made it suitable to host North Korea's newest long-range missiles, including ones that could carry nuclear warheads.

In a statement the Pentagon said: "We watch North Korea very closely but we cannot discuss intelligence."

Trump said on Saturday that he hoped to organize a second summit with Kim in early 2019.

National Security Advisor John Bolton said Tuesday that Trump thinks the North Korean strongman hasn't met the commitments he made at the Singapore summit.

US officials insist on the complete, verified and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean peninsula before tough sanctions are lifted.

But the North has rejected demands for what it calls "unilateral" disarmament, and has instead sought unspecified reciprocal US measures in a gradual process.

North Korea has expanded a key long-range missile base in the months since a summit between the country's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump, according to satellite images published by CNN on Wednesday.

North Korea has expanded a key long-range missile base in the months since a summit between the country's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump, according to satellite images published by CNN on Wednesday. The two men met in Singapore in June and signed a vaguely worded document that pledged to "work toward" the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, though it did not detail specifics on how this would come about. According to CNN, Pyongyang has upgraded the Yeongjeo-dong missile base in North Korea's mountainous interior and has built up another facility that had not previously been publicly identified. Experts told the US news network that the site's location made it suitable to host North Korea's newest long-range missiles, including ones that could carry nuclear warheads. In a statement the Pentagon said: "We watch North Korea very closely but we cannot discuss intelligence." Trump said on Saturday that he hoped to organize a second summit with Kim in early 2019. National Security Advisor John Bolton said Tuesday that Trump thinks the North Korean strongman hasn't met the commitments he made at the Singapore summit. US officials insist on the complete, verified and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean peninsula before tough sanctions are lifted. But the North has rejected demands for what it calls "unilateral" disarmament, and has instead sought unspecified reciprocal US measures in a gradual process.

Satellite images show activity at North Korean missile base: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/act-now-or-risk-disaster-world-told-at-un-climate-summit-181034">Act now or risk disaster, world told at UN climate summit</a>

After the starkest warnings yet of the catastrophic threat posed by climate change, nations gathered in Poland on Sunday to chart a way for mankind to avert runaway global warming.&nbsp;

The COP24 climate summit comes at a crucial juncture in the battle to rein in the effects of our heating planet.&nbsp;

UN General Assembly president Maria Espinosa said mankind was "in danger of disappearing" if climate change was allowed to progress at its current rate.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036">History </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036">mein</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036"> zero </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036">hain</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036">aap</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036">: Asaduddin Owaisi responds to Yogi Adityanath</a>

AIMIM chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, on Sunday launched an attack on BJP asking if those who speak against the saffron party or its leadership will be asked to leave the country.&nbsp;

Owaisi's comments came as a reaction to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's remark wherein he stated that Owaisi will have to flee the state if BJP comes to power in Telangana.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-will-grant-kim-jong-uns-wishes-after-denuclearisation-south-korea-president-181032">Trump will grant Kim Jong Un's wishes after denuclearisation: South Korea president</a>

US President Donald Trump will grant North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un his wishes if he delivers on denuclearisation, the South Korean president said Sunday, following talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

As officials work to arrange a second meeting between Trump and Kim, South Korea's Moon Jae-in relayed a message to reporters given to him by the US president to pass on to the North's leader.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-link-to-rajiv-gandhis-assassination-claims-ltte-181030">'No link' to Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, claims LTTE</a>

In an alleged statement, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has claimed that they had 'no link' in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991.

The alleged letter from LTTE has been signed by their Political Wing representative Kurburan Guruswami and Legal Wing representative Lathan Chandralingam.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/un-doctors-hammer-australia-over-refugee-camps-181042">UN, doctors hammer Australia over refugee camps</a>

Australia's under-pressure government received a double blow Monday from the United Nations and a leading doctors' group over harsh treatment of refugees on off-shore island camps.

In an unusual broadside, a top official for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees accused "bureaucrats and politicians" of overruling doctors and putting lives at risk at camps on Nauru and Manus.

Act now or risk disaster, world told at UN climate summit After the starkest warnings yet of the catastrophic threat posed by climate change, nations gathered in Poland on Sunday to chart a way for mankind to avert runaway global warming.

Act now or risk disaster, world told at UN climate summit After the starkest warnings yet of the catastrophic threat posed by climate change, nations gathered in Poland on Sunday to chart a way for mankind to avert runaway global warming. The COP24 climate summit comes at a crucial juncture in the battle to rein in the effects of our heating planet. UN General Assembly president Maria Espinosa said mankind was "in danger of disappearing" if climate change was allowed to progress at its current rate. History mein zero hain aap: Asaduddin Owaisi responds to Yogi Adityanath AIMIM chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, on Sunday launched an attack on BJP asking if those who speak against the saffron party or its leadership will be asked to leave the country. Owaisi's comments came as a reaction to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's remark wherein he stated that Owaisi will have to flee the state if BJP comes to power in Telangana. Trump will grant Kim Jong Un's wishes after denuclearisation: South Korea president US President Donald Trump will grant North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un his wishes if he delivers on denuclearisation, the South Korean president said Sunday, following talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit. As officials work to arrange a second meeting between Trump and Kim, South Korea's Moon Jae-in relayed a message to reporters given to him by the US president to pass on to the North's leader. 'No link' to Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, claims LTTE In an alleged statement, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has claimed that they had 'no link' in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991. The alleged letter from LTTE has been signed by their Political Wing representative Kurburan Guruswami and Legal Wing representative Lathan Chandralingam. UN, doctors hammer Australia over refugee camps Australia's under-pressure government received a double blow Monday from the United Nations and a leading doctors' group over harsh treatment of refugees on off-shore island camps. In an unusual broadside, a top official for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees accused "bureaucrats and politicians" of overruling doctors and putting lives at risk at camps on Nauru and Manus.

US President Donald Trump will grant North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un his wishes if he delivers on denuclearisation, the South Korean president said Sunday, following talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

As officials work to arrange <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-is-likely-to-meet-north-koreas-kim-in-jan-or-feb-180818">a second meeting between Trump and Kim</a>, South Korea's Moon Jae-in relayed a message to reporters given to him by the US president to pass on to the North's leader.&nbsp;

"And the message was that President Trump has a very friendly view of Chairman Kim and that he likes him, and so he wishes Chairman Kim would implement the rest of their agreement and that he would make what Chairman Kim wants come true," Moon told the Yonhap news agency while en route to New Zealand.

Speaking in Buenos Aires, where he discussed the situation on the Korean peninsula with Moon, Trump said he hoped to organize a follow-up meeting with Kim for early 2019.

"We're getting along very well. We have a good relationship," he said.

When asked Saturday if he would ever host the North Korean leader in the United States, Trump replied: "At some point, yeah."

Trump and Kim held a historic summit in Singapore earlier this year, signing a vaguely worded deal on denuclearisation.

But progress has generally been slow, with the two countries sparring over the exact meaning of the agreement.

US officials insist on the complete, verified and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula before sanctions are lifted.

The North has rejected demands for what it calls "unilateral" disarmament, and has instead sought unspecified reciprocal US measures in a gradual process.

Differences also remain between Washington and Seoul on how to proceed with Kim, as the dovish Moon favors more robust engagement with the North.

North and South Korea have begun to remove landmines and destroy military bunkers at parts of their common border as part of efforts to improve long-strained relations.

US President Donald Trump will grant North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un his wishes if he delivers on denuclearisation, the South Korean president said Sunday, following talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

US President Donald Trump will grant North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un his wishes if he delivers on denuclearisation, the South Korean president said Sunday, following talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit. As officials work to arrange a second meeting between Trump and Kim, South Korea's Moon Jae-in relayed a message to reporters given to him by the US president to pass on to the North's leader. "And the message was that President Trump has a very friendly view of Chairman Kim and that he likes him, and so he wishes Chairman Kim would implement the rest of their agreement and that he would make what Chairman Kim wants come true," Moon told the Yonhap news agency while en route to New Zealand. Speaking in Buenos Aires, where he discussed the situation on the Korean peninsula with Moon, Trump said he hoped to organize a follow-up meeting with Kim for early 2019. "We're getting along very well. We have a good relationship," he said. When asked Saturday if he would ever host the North Korean leader in the United States, Trump replied: "At some point, yeah." Trump and Kim held a historic summit in Singapore earlier this year, signing a vaguely worded deal on denuclearisation. But progress has generally been slow, with the two countries sparring over the exact meaning of the agreement. US officials insist on the complete, verified and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula before sanctions are lifted. The North has rejected demands for what it calls "unilateral" disarmament, and has instead sought unspecified reciprocal US measures in a gradual process. Differences also remain between Washington and Seoul on how to proceed with Kim, as the dovish Moon favors more robust engagement with the North. North and South Korea have begun to remove landmines and destroy military bunkers at parts of their common border as part of efforts to improve long-strained relations.

Trump will grant Kim Jong Un's wishes after denuclearisation: South Korea president

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he is likely to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in January or February and that three sites for their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-trump---kim-summit-is-a-gamble-beyond-optics-144380?amp">second meeting</a> are under consideration.

"We`re getting along very well. We have a good relationship," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on his return from a G20 summit in Argentina.&nbsp;

Trump added that at some point he will invite Kim to the United States.

The two sides have been engaged in talks on the leaders` second meeting after the first, unprecedented, one in Singapore in June, Reuters reported in October, citing a senior official.

The White House said in a statement on Saturday after Trump`s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping that they and Kim will strive "to see a nuclear free Korean Peninsula."

The statement said Xi and Trump "agreed that great progress has been made with respect to North Korea."&nbsp;

Last month, Vice President Mike Pence said Trump would push for a concrete plan outlining Pyongyang`s moves to end its arms programs.

Pence told NBC News last month the United States would not require Pyongyang to provide a complete list of nuclear weapons and locations before the second summit, but that the meeting must produce a concrete plan.

"I think it will be absolutely imperative in this next summit that we come away with a plan for identifying all of the weapons in question, identifying all the development sites, allowing for inspections of the sites and the plan for dismantling nuclear weapons," Pence said.

Pence said last month it was essential that international sanctions pressure be maintained on North Korea until its complete denuclearization was achieved.

North Korea had been angered by Washington`s refusal to ease sanctions and has warned it could resume development of its nuclear program if the United States did not drop its campaign.

A U.S. think tank said last month it had identified at least 13 of an estimated 20 active, undeclared missile bases inside North Korea, underscoring the challenge for American negotiators hoping to persuade Kim to give up his weapons programs.

North Korea had entered into agreements with regional powers in 1994 and in 2005 to dismantle its nuclear program in return for economic benefits and diplomatic rewards, but those deals broke down after Pyongyang clandestinely continued to pursue building weapons of mass destruction.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he is likely to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in January or February and that three sites for their second meeting are under consideration.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he is likely to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in January or February and that three sites for their second meeting are under consideration. "We`re getting along very well. We have a good relationship," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on his return from a G20 summit in Argentina. Trump added that at some point he will invite Kim to the United States. The two sides have been engaged in talks on the leaders` second meeting after the first, unprecedented, one in Singapore in June, Reuters reported in October, citing a senior official. The White House said in a statement on Saturday after Trump`s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping that they and Kim will strive "to see a nuclear free Korean Peninsula." The statement said Xi and Trump "agreed that great progress has been made with respect to North Korea." Last month, Vice President Mike Pence said Trump would push for a concrete plan outlining Pyongyang`s moves to end its arms programs. Pence told NBC News last month the United States would not require Pyongyang to provide a complete list of nuclear weapons and locations before the second summit, but that the meeting must produce a concrete plan. "I think it will be absolutely imperative in this next summit that we come away with a plan for identifying all of the weapons in question, identifying all the development sites, allowing for inspections of the sites and the plan for dismantling nuclear weapons," Pence said. Pence said last month it was essential that international sanctions pressure be maintained on North Korea until its complete denuclearization was achieved. North Korea had been angered by Washington`s refusal to ease sanctions and has warned it could resume development of its nuclear program if the United States did not drop its campaign. A U.S. think tank said last month it had identified at least 13 of an estimated 20 active, undeclared missile bases inside North Korea, underscoring the challenge for American negotiators hoping to persuade Kim to give up his weapons programs. North Korea had entered into agreements with regional powers in 1994 and in 2005 to dismantle its nuclear program in return for economic benefits and diplomatic rewards, but those deals broke down after Pyongyang clandestinely continued to pursue building weapons of mass destruction.

Trump says he is likely to meet North Korea's Kim again in Jan or Feb

The South Korean Presidential Office on Tuesday released video and photographs of President Moon Jae-in showing off the newly born puppies of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs that were received as a gift.

The puppies were first unveiled by the Blue House on November 25 in photographs showing Moon and First Lady Kim Jung-sook playing with the puppies.

The puppies were mothered by Gomi, part of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs given by the North's leader Kim Jong Un to Moon in September -- the latest sign of a dramatic thaw in relations between the Korean rivals.

Moon and Kim held their third meeting this year in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang in mid-September, when Kim proposed the idea of the canine presents, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement on Sunday.

The Pungsan breed, named after a North Korean county, is known for its loyalty and skills for hunting. It is designated as a North Korean "natural monument" animal.

The South Korean Presidential Office on Tuesday released video and photographs of President Moon Jae-in showing off the newly born puppies of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs that were received as a gift.

The South Korean Presidential Office on Tuesday released video and photographs of President Moon Jae-in showing off the newly born puppies of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs that were received as a gift. The puppies were first unveiled by the Blue House on November 25 in photographs showing Moon and First Lady Kim Jung-sook playing with the puppies. The puppies were mothered by Gomi, part of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs given by the North's leader Kim Jong Un to Moon in September -- the latest sign of a dramatic thaw in relations between the Korean rivals. Moon and Kim held their third meeting this year in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang in mid-September, when Kim proposed the idea of the canine presents, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement on Sunday. The Pungsan breed, named after a North Korean county, is known for its loyalty and skills for hunting. It is designated as a North Korean "natural monument" animal.

Puppy diplomacy: Dogs gifted by North Korea gives birth in the South

A year of warming relations between North and South Korea has raised the prospects of closer ties, if not some form of unification for the still-warring neighbours far in the future. But it might not be obvious in a typical South Korean classroom.&nbsp;

"I really don't know anything," 17-year-old student Roh Ha-na said. "It`s like only twice a year that the school teaches about unification and national security, and about North Korean life... but I just let most of it go in one ear and out the other."This year`s inter-Korean détente has highlighted what many observers see as a lack of knowledge among South Koreans about their northern neighbour, prompting government efforts to revamp the way South Koreans learn about North Korea and unification.

Baek Jun-kee, the head of South Korea's Institute for Unification Education says current education methods have failed to show young South Koreans the importance of a nuanced understanding of North Korea, its people and leader Kim Jong Un.

"If we don't approach the issue in a rational manner or show how the issue affects (students') personal lives in middle school or high school, it will be difficult to keep their attention," Baek told Reuters in an interview.

The education shortcomings are contributing to a shortage of North Korea experts across public and private institutions at a time when increased cultural and governmental exchanges between the two Koreas make them all the more important, analysts say.

"Every regional government has rolled out plans for inter-Korean exchange, but they don`t have any experts, no knowledge, no networks," said Hong Min, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification. "When the heads of South Korean conglomerates went along to the September Pyongyang summit, most of them didn`t have an in-house North Korea expert to brief the chief."

After facing criticism at a parliamentary hearing earlier this month over funding cuts to education programmes, Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon told lawmakers creating a new curriculum on unification was "crucial and urgent".

"Waste of time"

Cut off from the North for 70 years and still technically at war after their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce not a peace treaty, many South Koreans have come to see unification as an increasingly distant and unrealistic goal.

Surveys show younger generations of South Koreans are particularly ignorant or apathetic about their northern neighbours, seeing them as a troublesome distraction from the more pressing concerns of work or school.

Interviews with 17 high school students revealed most had never heard of the `parallel progress` policy key to North Korean affairs this decade. Most didn`t know about the growth of private markets that has transformed many areas of North Korea`s economy.&nbsp;

"I've never heard about these North Korean issues in school, aside from learning about the Korean War in history class," said Moon So-in, a 17-year-old student at Sunil Girls` High School.&nbsp; 
"My friends don`t seem very interested since we are so used to being a divided country."&nbsp;

Education in South Korea is focused on competing for college entrance, culminating in high-pressure nationwide exams in the last year of high school, on which students stake their futures.

North Korea is "not on the test," students and teachers said, and is therefore seen as a "waste of precious time," said high school teacher Choi Ki-bok.

Generally, North Korea is addressed in a single chapter once a year in 4th and 6th grade, briefly in middle school and once in high school, two teachers said.

In higher education, meanwhile, five out of six North Korean studies departments at South Korean universities have been shut down or changed into other programmes in recent years, in part because of a lack of applicants.&nbsp;

Sparking debate

In North Korea, the South appears to be discussed more often in schools. As well as propaganda, North Korean defectors say they were taught minute details about the South.

"I was taught South Korean geography down to what minerals and grains are produced in each region, history that happened on South Korean soil," said Park Na-ri, a North Korean defector educator who taught Korean and literature in Pyongyang and now teaches defector children in Seoul.&nbsp;

"I was shocked to find South Koreans know much less about where anything in North Korea is," she said, noting that ignorance can lead to a lack of empathy for North Koreans.

Five South Korean educators interviewed by Reuters said teachers don`t feel equipped to navigate the thorny issue of North Korea, which in the words of one high school teacher is "an enemy, a long-lost brother, and a separate country sharing a border, depending on who you ask".&nbsp;

The Institute for Unification Education, which oversees all lower education on North Korea, says it is setting up the first-ever year-long training programmes for teachers to learn how to teach North Korea.

That will include a shift away from rote teaching on unification as a given to a more flexible approach focused more on the goal of peace and designed to spark discussions among students.

This year, the 91-page "Unification Education Guidelines" was cut down to 48 pages and renamed "Unification and Peace Education, Directions and Viewpoints", mirroring President Moon Jae-in`s argument that reaching peace with North Korea is a more pressing and realistic goal than full unification.

A year of warming relations between North and South Korea has raised the prospects of closer ties, if not some form of unification for the still-warring neighbours far in the future.

A year of warming relations between North and South Korea has raised the prospects of closer ties, if not some form of unification for the still-warring neighbours far in the future. But it might not be obvious in a typical South Korean classroom. "I really don't know anything," 17-year-old student Roh Ha-na said. "It`s like only twice a year that the school teaches about unification and national security, and about North Korean life... but I just let most of it go in one ear and out the other."This year`s inter-Korean détente has highlighted what many observers see as a lack of knowledge among South Koreans about their northern neighbour, prompting government efforts to revamp the way South Koreans learn about North Korea and unification. Baek Jun-kee, the head of South Korea's Institute for Unification Education says current education methods have failed to show young South Koreans the importance of a nuanced understanding of North Korea, its people and leader Kim Jong Un. "If we don't approach the issue in a rational manner or show how the issue affects (students') personal lives in middle school or high school, it will be difficult to keep their attention," Baek told Reuters in an interview. The education shortcomings are contributing to a shortage of North Korea experts across public and private institutions at a time when increased cultural and governmental exchanges between the two Koreas make them all the more important, analysts say. "Every regional government has rolled out plans for inter-Korean exchange, but they don`t have any experts, no knowledge, no networks," said Hong Min, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification. "When the heads of South Korean conglomerates went along to the September Pyongyang summit, most of them didn`t have an in-house North Korea expert to brief the chief." After facing criticism at a parliamentary hearing earlier this month over funding cuts to education programmes, Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon told lawmakers creating a new curriculum on unification was "crucial and urgent". "Waste of time" Cut off from the North for 70 years and still technically at war after their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce not a peace treaty, many South Koreans have come to see unification as an increasingly distant and unrealistic goal. Surveys show younger generations of South Koreans are particularly ignorant or apathetic about their northern neighbours, seeing them as a troublesome distraction from the more pressing concerns of work or school. Interviews with 17 high school students revealed most had never heard of the `parallel progress` policy key to North Korean affairs this decade. Most didn`t know about the growth of private markets that has transformed many areas of North Korea`s economy. "I've never heard about these North Korean issues in school, aside from learning about the Korean War in history class," said Moon So-in, a 17-year-old student at Sunil Girls` High School. "My friends don`t seem very interested since we are so used to being a divided country." Education in South Korea is focused on competing for college entrance, culminating in high-pressure nationwide exams in the last year of high school, on which students stake their futures. North Korea is "not on the test," students and teachers said, and is therefore seen as a "waste of precious time," said high school teacher Choi Ki-bok. Generally, North Korea is addressed in a single chapter once a year in 4th and 6th grade, briefly in middle school and once in high school, two teachers said. In higher education, meanwhile, five out of six North Korean studies departments at South Korean universities have been shut down or changed into other programmes in recent years, in part because of a lack of applicants. Sparking debate In North Korea, the South appears to be discussed more often in schools. As well as propaganda, North Korean defectors say they were taught minute details about the South. "I was taught South Korean geography down to what minerals and grains are produced in each region, history that happened on South Korean soil," said Park Na-ri, a North Korean defector educator who taught Korean and literature in Pyongyang and now teaches defector children in Seoul. "I was shocked to find South Koreans know much less about where anything in North Korea is," she said, noting that ignorance can lead to a lack of empathy for North Koreans. Five South Korean educators interviewed by Reuters said teachers don`t feel equipped to navigate the thorny issue of North Korea, which in the words of one high school teacher is "an enemy, a long-lost brother, and a separate country sharing a border, depending on who you ask". The Institute for Unification Education, which oversees all lower education on North Korea, says it is setting up the first-ever year-long training programmes for teachers to learn how to teach North Korea. That will include a shift away from rote teaching on unification as a given to a more flexible approach focused more on the goal of peace and designed to spark discussions among students. This year, the 91-page "Unification Education Guidelines" was cut down to 48 pages and renamed "Unification and Peace Education, Directions and Viewpoints", mirroring President Moon Jae-in`s argument that reaching peace with North Korea is a more pressing and realistic goal than full unification.

Kim Jong Who? South Korea revamps the way students study North Korea

The United States and South Korea have scaled down an annual joint military exercise scheduled for the spring of 2019 to facilitate nuclear talks with North Korea, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Wednesday.&nbsp;

"Foal Eagle is being reorganized a bit to keep it at a level that will not be harmful to diplomacy," Mattis said, adding that it would be "reduced in scope."

Foal Eagle is the biggest of the regular joint exercises held by the allies, and has always infuriated Pyongyang, which condemned it as preparations for invasion.

But the drill -- one of the world's largest field exercises involving 200,000 South Korean and some 30,000 US soldiers -- was delayed and scaled down last year as diplomatic detente took hold on the peninsula.

And following a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore in June, US President Donald Trump announced that the US would stop holding joint exercises with the South, calling them expensive and "very provocative".

Since then the two allies have suspended most of their major joint exercises including the Ulchi Freedom Guardian in August and Vigilant Ace, slated for next month.

But more recently progress in talks with the North has stalled, with the US pushing to maintain sanctions against it until its "final, fully verified denuclearization" and Pyongyang condemning US demands as "gangster-like."

Washington stations 28,500 troops in the South to defend it from its nuclear-armed neighbour, which invaded in 1950.

'Fait accompli'

But differences are beginning to emerge between Seoul and Washington.

The South's dovish president Moon Jae-in has long favoured engagement with the North, which is subject to multiple UN Security Council sanctions over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

He has dangled large investment and joint cross-border projects as incentives for steps towards denuclearization, while the US has been adamant pressure should be maintained on Pyongyang until it fully dismantles its weapons programs.

Seoul's defence ministry said Mattis' comments were in line with their shared view on the need to back diplomacy -- but a spokeswoman added that the question of whether the exercises will take place at all was "still under discussion."

Kim Hyun-wook, a professor at the South's state-run Korea National Diplomatic Academy, said reducing the exercise was largely expected.

"The Trump administration claims Pyongyang's suspension of nuclear and missile tests as the key achievement of its North Korea policy and the joint drills have been postponed as a kind of corresponding measure," Kim told AFP.

"As long as talks continue, postponing or reducing major US-South Korea joint exercises has become a fait accompli," he said.

'No rush'

Earlier this month Pyongyang threatened to "seriously" consider returning to its weapons drive if Washington did not end its tough economic sanctions.

And last month, the North's state media carried a near 1,700-word commentary accusing the US of playing a "double game", implicitly criticizing Trump for comments aimed at barring Seoul from lifting sanctions against Pyongyang.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday defended Washington's strategy on the peninsula, noting that North Korea had halted missile launches and had not conducted a nuclear test in over a year.

"And I do hope there'll be a summit between the two leaders early in 2019," he said in an interview with KCMO radio.

Pyongyang has declared its nuclear and missile development complete, saying it has no further need for testing.

Trump has also said he hopes to have a second meeting with Kim early next year, but talks between Pompeo and a top North Korean official, partly to prepare for the meeting, were cancelled.

The US said the North axed the talks because they weren't ready, and Trump insisted he was in "no rush."

The United States and South Korea have scaled down an annual joint military exercise scheduled for the spring of 2019 to facilitate nuclear talks with North Korea, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Wednesday.

The United States and South Korea have scaled down an annual joint military exercise scheduled for the spring of 2019 to facilitate nuclear talks with North Korea, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Wednesday. "Foal Eagle is being reorganized a bit to keep it at a level that will not be harmful to diplomacy," Mattis said, adding that it would be "reduced in scope." Foal Eagle is the biggest of the regular joint exercises held by the allies, and has always infuriated Pyongyang, which condemned it as preparations for invasion. But the drill -- one of the world's largest field exercises involving 200,000 South Korean and some 30,000 US soldiers -- was delayed and scaled down last year as diplomatic detente took hold on the peninsula. And following a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore in June, US President Donald Trump announced that the US would stop holding joint exercises with the South, calling them expensive and "very provocative". Since then the two allies have suspended most of their major joint exercises including the Ulchi Freedom Guardian in August and Vigilant Ace, slated for next month. But more recently progress in talks with the North has stalled, with the US pushing to maintain sanctions against it until its "final, fully verified denuclearization" and Pyongyang condemning US demands as "gangster-like." Washington stations 28,500 troops in the South to defend it from its nuclear-armed neighbour, which invaded in 1950. 'Fait accompli' But differences are beginning to emerge between Seoul and Washington. The South's dovish president Moon Jae-in has long favoured engagement with the North, which is subject to multiple UN Security Council sanctions over its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. He has dangled large investment and joint cross-border projects as incentives for steps towards denuclearization, while the US has been adamant pressure should be maintained on Pyongyang until it fully dismantles its weapons programs. Seoul's defence ministry said Mattis' comments were in line with their shared view on the need to back diplomacy -- but a spokeswoman added that the question of whether the exercises will take place at all was "still under discussion." Kim Hyun-wook, a professor at the South's state-run Korea National Diplomatic Academy, said reducing the exercise was largely expected. "The Trump administration claims Pyongyang's suspension of nuclear and missile tests as the key achievement of its North Korea policy and the joint drills have been postponed as a kind of corresponding measure," Kim told AFP. "As long as talks continue, postponing or reducing major US-South Korea joint exercises has become a fait accompli," he said. 'No rush' Earlier this month Pyongyang threatened to "seriously" consider returning to its weapons drive if Washington did not end its tough economic sanctions. And last month, the North's state media carried a near 1,700-word commentary accusing the US of playing a "double game", implicitly criticizing Trump for comments aimed at barring Seoul from lifting sanctions against Pyongyang. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday defended Washington's strategy on the peninsula, noting that North Korea had halted missile launches and had not conducted a nuclear test in over a year. "And I do hope there'll be a summit between the two leaders early in 2019," he said in an interview with KCMO radio. Pyongyang has declared its nuclear and missile development complete, saying it has no further need for testing. Trump has also said he hopes to have a second meeting with Kim early next year, but talks between Pompeo and a top North Korean official, partly to prepare for the meeting, were cancelled. The US said the North axed the talks because they weren't ready, and Trump insisted he was in "no rush."

US, South Korea scale back military exercise: Jim Mattis

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